The word "merely" is an adverb used to indicate that something is done or happens only, exclusively, or simply. Here are a few examples of how to use "merely" in sentences:
"I don't want to be friends with him anymore; I'm merely acquaintances with him now."
"She didn't win the competition, but she was merely a few points behind the first-place winner."
"The movie wasn't scary; it was merely a collection of predictable jump scares."
"He didn't apologize sincerely; his words were merely an attempt to save face."
"The task was not difficult; it merely required a bit of attention to detail."
In each of these examples, "merely" is used to emphasize the limited extent, simplicity, or exclusivity of something. It indicates that there is no additional or significant aspect beyond what is stated.