1. being nothing more than what is specified; used to emphasize how small or insignificant something is
Usage: superlative form of ‘mere’; often used for emphasis

Examples

• The merest hint of criticism made her defensive.
• He won by the merest margin of votes.
• The merest touch of the button activated the alarm.
• She felt embarrassed by the merest compliment.
• The merest whisper could wake the baby.
• It was the merest coincidence that we met there.
• The merest glance told her something was wrong.