The word "Merrili" is spelled with three syllables: /mɛ.rɪ.li/. The first syllable is pronounced with the short "e" sound, followed by the "r" consonant, and ending with the "ih" sound. The second syllable also has the short "i" sound, and the last syllable has the long "e" sound. This spelling can be confusing because it deviates from the more commonly known spelling of "Marilyn," but when broken down into its phonetic components, the pronunciation becomes clearer.