only 1 of 3

1
2
3
as in merely
nothing more than I was only fooling when I said I saw a shark in the water

Synonyms & Similar Words

only

2 of 3

adjective

1
as in excellent
having no equal or rival for excellence or desirability the only way to really appreciate the beauty of the forest is to walk through it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

only

3 of 3

conjunction

as in but
if it were not for the fact that that's a very nice idea, only it won't help

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of only
Adverb
According to Fif, the pair seem unconcerned for Lil Meech’s well-being and only publicly sided with him due to their own respective vendetta’s against him. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 3 Apr. 2025 The couple's youngest child, and only daughter, Alianna Judith, was born on April 29th, 2024. Nasha Smith, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
With no British troops on hand, Dunmore saw this threat as his only option to avert violence. Andrew Lawler, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Apr. 2025 The only Florida restaurant nominated is Ômo by Jônt in Winter Park, which was nominated in the Best New Restaurant category. Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for only
Recent Examples of Synonyms for only
Adverb
  • However, Miller has fairly long arms for his height, and the reach advantage is just three inches.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The data includes the Kursk region in Russia, where Ukraine is now holding on to just a few villages along the border, after a slow but successful Russian rollback of Kyiv’s surprise gains last summer.
    Andrew Carey and Kosta Gak, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • Another solid contributor lately has been Zack Bolduc.
    Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Flight to safety To be sure, foreign currencies have not moved uniformly against the dollar lately.
    Jesse Pound, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • Imagine a sudden-death Final where the prize is merely keeping your spot in the league.
    David Ferrini, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Up until this point, even the most practical-minded among our undergraduates could still balance their vocational majors with breadth-giving minors, or see the benefits of merely a passing exposure to other fields and forms of inquiry.
    Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Two standout experiences near the water include Schooner’s in the Caribbean Village, open for breakfast and dinner (chef Chris’s swordfish steak was excellent) as well as Barefoot by the Sea in the Italian Village.
    Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Piper Niven Currently, Piper Niven is doing an excellent job as part of WWE Women's United States Champion Chelsea Green's cabinet.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Drinkwater didn't make one appearance in a Chelsea shirt last season, whilst Bakayoko spent the season in Italy on loan at AC Milan.
    SI.com, SI.com, 3 Aug. 2019
  • Decisions made by engineers today, in other words, will determine not how one car drives but how all cars drive.
    Johannes Himmelreich, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Mar. 2018
Conjunction
  • But scientists and doctors say things aren’t that simple — and a belief that exposing children to marijuana, either directly or indirectly, is harmless isn’t supported by the facts.
    Daniel M. Jimenez, The Cannifornian, 22 June 2017
  • But with a full and volatile season behind them, the two have grown closer, prompting check-ins from Bradford last month, seeking tidbits from his coach who watched OTA practices on a tablet from his Kentucky retreat.
    Chad Graff, Twin Cities, 15 June 2017
Adverb
  • Specialized technology providers focused solely on the retail media space will emerge with solutions that address the unique challenges of product listing ads and sponsored search within retail environments.
    Kiri Masters, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Pro Football Focus graded him 47th of 75 tight ends solely as a run blocker last season; Hill was ranked last.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • The short-range play, which involves the whole offensive outfit pushing the quarterback a few yards, has been a key element in the Eagles’ success of late, helping the team win the Super Bowl this past season.
    Ben Morse and Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Gusts between 30 and 45 mph are expected to develop over the area late in the morning and continue into the evening.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Only.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/only. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.

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