The right deeply synonym depends on the word that follows it. With feelings, try profoundly, greatly, intensely or truly. With apologies and thanks, sincerely sounds natural. With thinking or study, thoroughly and carefully fit better.
Deeply is an intensifier, like very, but it suggests something felt inside rather than measured. That is why deeply sorry sounds warm and very sorry sounds quick. The pairings below show which swap works with each common partner word.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
profoundly, greatly, intensely, truly, sincerelyPart of speech
AdverbMost formal
profoundly, acutely, inextricablyMost casual
really, so, terriblyStrongest
profoundly, immenselyAntonyms
slightly, superficially, mildlyWatch out
Deep and deeply differ: dig deep, but deeply moved.
Deeply synonym pairings by partner word
Deeply almost always sits beside another word. Check that partner first.
| Phrase | Best swaps | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| deeply sorry | sincerely sorry, truly sorry | Warm, polite |
| deeply grateful | immensely grateful, truly grateful | Heartfelt |
| deeply concerned | gravely concerned, seriously concerned | Formal, serious |
| deeply moved | profoundly moved, greatly touched | Emotional |
| deeply rooted | firmly rooted, ingrained | Neutral |
| think deeply | think hard, reflect carefully | Thoughtful |
| deeply asleep | fast asleep, sound asleep | Everyday |
How the strength builds
Each chip in the deeply strip packs more punch than its left neighbor. Very much is plain and safe. Greatly is a notch more formal, good for thanks: I greatly appreciate it. Intensely adds heat and fits strong emotions and phrases like intensely private. Profoundly matches deeply most closely in weight and suits loss, change and lasting effects. Immensely stresses size and often goes with positive feelings: immensely proud.
For general intensifiers, compare the very synonyms and extremely synonyms pages.
Swaps in sentences
- I am deeply sorry for the delay becomes I am truly sorry for the delay.
- The story deeply affected her becomes the story profoundly affected her.
- We are deeply grateful for your help becomes we are immensely grateful for your help.
- He cares deeply about the planet becomes he cares passionately about the planet.
- Read the text deeply becomes read the text closely.
- The idea is deeply rooted in tradition becomes the idea is firmly rooted in tradition.
A condolence note begins: "I am deeply sorry, and deeply saddened by the news." The repeat dulls both. A better version: "I am so sorry, and truly saddened by the news." Each feeling now has its own word.
Deep, deeply and profound
Deep can be an adverb too, but only for physical or set phrases: dig deep, run deep, deep down. Deeply is the form for feelings and thought. The adjectives have their own pages, deep and profound, if you want to rephrase with a noun: a profound sense of loss instead of feeling deeply lost.
Breathe deeply is fine, but you can also write take a deep breath or breathe slowly, which sound more natural in instructions.
Deeply in work emails, essays and cards
Work emails lean on sincerely, greatly and truly: we greatly value your feedback. Avoid intensely, which can sound dramatic. Essays suit profoundly, significantly and thoroughly, the last for analysis: the author thoroughly examines grief. Cards and personal notes welcome truly, so and with all my heart. Other adverbs that set the tone of a message live in our linking words section.
Opposites of deeply
For feelings that barely register, use slightly, mildly or faintly. For thought that stays on the surface, use superficially. Shallowly works for breathing and digging.
- She was only mildly annoyed.
- The report treats the topic superficially.
In a review or essay, the phrase only skims the surface is handy when a single adverb feels weak.
Frequently asked questions
Which formal adverb can replace deeply?
Profoundly is the most formal close match. Acutely works for awareness or pain, as in acutely aware of the risks.
How else can I write deeply sorry?
Truly sorry, sincerely sorry or so sorry. In formal letters, we sincerely apologize works well.
Is profoundly stronger than deeply?
Slightly, yes. Profoundly suggests a lasting change, so it suits loss, impact and big shifts in thinking.
What is another word for think deeply?
Reflect, think hard, consider carefully or ponder. Ponder suggests slow thought over time.
What is a synonym for deeply rooted?
Firmly rooted, ingrained, entrenched and established all work. Entrenched often hints that the habit is hard to change.
Which adverbs are opposites of deeply?
Slightly, mildly and superficially are the main opposites. Pick superficially when the topic is thought or study.