narrowly
5 synonyms and 2 antonyms for narrowly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — By a small margin; barely.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
by a hair
Antonyms
How to use narrowly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
narrowly avoid
narrowly missed
narrowly defined
Etymology
From Middle English narowly, formed from narrow plus "-ly".
Full origin of narrowly →Frequently asked questions
What does “narrowly” mean?
The word “narrowly” means by a small margin; barely. In plain terms, by only a small margin, or in a restrictive/limited way.
How do you pronounce “narrowly”?
“Narrowly” is pronounced NA-roh-lee (/ˈnæɹoʊli/ in IPA).
How do you use “narrowly” in a sentence?
Here is “narrowly” used in a sentence: “She narrowly avoided being hit by the car.”
What is another word for “narrowly”?
Words with a similar meaning to “narrowly” include closely.
What is the opposite of “narrowly”?
The opposite of “narrowly” — its antonyms — is widely.
What part of speech is “narrowly”?
“Narrowly” is an adverb.
Where does the word “narrowly” come from?
The word “narrowly” comes from Middle English. From Middle English narowly, formed from narrow plus "-ly".
Is “narrowly” a common word?
“Narrowly” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between narrowly and barely?
Both "narrowly" and "barely" can describe something happening by a small margin, such as narrowly avoiding an accident, and in this sense they are close synonyms. However, "narrowly" also has a second meaning describing a restrictive or inflexible way of thinking, a sense "barely" does not share.
What does it mean to interpret something narrowly?
To interpret something narrowly means to view or apply it in a narrow, restrictive, or inflexible way, focusing strictly on a limited scope rather than a broader interpretation. This usage is common in legal and analytical contexts, such as "the court interpreted the law narrowly."
Is narrowly usually used with negative outcomes like losing or missing?
"Narrowly" frequently pairs with verbs describing near-misses or close outcomes, such as "narrowly avoided," "narrowly missed," or "narrowly lost," emphasizing that something happened by a very small margin. It can also describe narrowly won victories, so it applies to both favorable and unfavorable close outcomes.
