In reality
In reality adverb - Used to imply that one would expect the fact to be the opposite of that stated; surprisingly.
Merely and in reality are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Merely" instead an adverb phrase "In reality".
Merely
Merely adverb - Nothing more than.
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Synonyms for Merely
In reality and merely are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "In reality" instead an adverb "Merely".
Nearby Word: mere
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
Both terms in one sentence
- In reality, the Omnidroid is perfectly subservient to Syndrome, and this was merely a cover story for Syndrome's plan.
Source: AI Is A Crapshoot / Film -
As shown in Reality Ensues below, Harvey Dent is not merely scarred by the burns he receives from Sal Maroni, but dies from them.
Source: Comic Book / Batman: Earth One - In reality, the expedition merely cloaked the city after weathering the blast under the city's shield.
Source: Faking the Dead
Cite this Source
Merely and In reality. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 14, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/in_reality/merely
In reality & Merely. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/in_reality/merely>.
Merely or In reality. 2016. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/in_reality/merely.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "in reality" and "merely" have occurred on timeline