Synonyms of one-waynext
1
: that moves in or allows movement in only one direction
a one-way street
2
: one-sided, unilateral
a one-way conversation
3
: that functions in only one of two or more ways

Examples of one-way in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Win-lose feels like going the wrong way down a one-way street. Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 8 May 2026 Iran relied heavily on low-cost one-way attack systems, especially the Shahed-136. Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026 Dillon and the team will travel approximately 220 miles one-way to play at Bully Pulpit. Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026 In the eyes of the public (and, in many ways, state law) that conviction is a one-way street — no matter how shoddily a particular case has been handled, or what new evidence has come to light. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for one-way

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-way was in 1824

Cite this Entry

“One-way.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-way. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

one-way

adjective
1
: moving or allowing movement in one direction only
2

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