mere
[adjective]
Synonyms: simple, bare, common, nothing more than, plain, pure, sheer

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

I. mere¹ W3 /mɪə $ mɪr/ adjective (superlative merest) [only before noun, no comparative]
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: merus 'pure, unmixed']

1. used to emphasize how small or unimportant something or someone is:
She lost the election by a mere 20 votes.
He’s a mere child.
It can’t be a mere coincidence that they left at the same time.

2. used to emphasize that something which is small or not extreme has a big effect or is important:
The merest little noise makes him nervous.
The mere thought of food made her feel sick.
The mere fact that the talks are continuing is a positive sign.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

II. mere² noun [countable]
[Language: Old English; Origin: 'sea, lake']
literary a lake

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲