as in former
having been such at some previous time
the once child star is now a lawyer in the entertainment industry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in when
just at the moment that
you should have stopped wrestling once you knew someone was getting hurt, not five minutes later
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of once
Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026
Rafi, once reserved, found a sense of belonging with the medical team at a rehabilitation center.
—Jennifer Obel, Denver Post, 12 Jan. 2026
Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2025
The once grand Art Deco hotel is owned by an LLC called St. George Hotel Associate, which is also responsible for maintaining the Clark Street stop under an agreement with the MTA.
—Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for once
Adverb
The journey from the gates of Parchman to Unit 29 takes the traveler past a mixture of modest brick and white clapboard houses, all of which once housed prison officials and employees.
—Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026
Rafi, once reserved, found a sense of belonging with the medical team at a rehabilitation center.
—Jennifer Obel, Denver Post, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
The once jet-setting, Oscar-winning movie producer has remained in custody at Rikers Island jail, and has frequently been hospitalized due to health issues.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2025
The once grand Art Deco hotel is owned by an LLC called St. George Hotel Associate, which is also responsible for maintaining the Clark Street stop under an agreement with the MTA.
—Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for once
Recent Examples of Synonyms for once
Adverb
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Since its launch in July 2023, Threads has been a direct competitor to Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter.—
Samantha Subin,
CNBC,
21 Jan. 2026
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For 50 years, the fest — which is presented by the Pecan Street Association — took place on East 6th Street, formerly named Old Pecan Street, but moved to the Hill Country Galleria in Spring 2025.—
Mars Salazar,
Austin American Statesman,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Aaron Glenn stood in front of a crowd of reporters, Jets staffers and former Jets players at his introductory news conference as the franchise’s new head coach and announced to the world that things were going to be different with him in charge.—
Zack Rosenblatt,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
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This, however, is the first time a former presidential couple has been jailed at the same time.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Chicago police said a witness found the 46-year-old unresponsive on the floor of a home in the 10100 block of South State Street.—
Elyssa Kaufman,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
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Today, Harry and his older brother, Prince William, remain estranged, royal experts say.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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This article was generated by the Bay Area Home Report Bot, software that analyzes home sales or other data and creates an article based on a template created by humans.—
Bay Area Home Report,
Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2026
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The data included not only tax returns but also investment details, stock trades, gambling winnings, audit determinations, and other financial information.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The erstwhile quarterback for the Judases should just stay home with Madison Beer, his erstwhile girlfriend, maybe take in a movie.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Jan. 2026
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Inside, a trove of occult objects attests to its erstwhile owner’s conception of the space as a funerary mansion for his soul in the afterlife.—
Javier Montes,
Artforum,
1 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Fennessy brings expertise as former chief of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and past fire chief of the Orange County Fire Authority, one of California’s largest fire departments.—
Noël Fletcher,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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Strolling past glass display cases of fossils and earthenware artifacts, my eyes landed on a rack by the main entrance with flyers advertising children’s events and local flea markets.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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However, a cold front rolls in sometime Friday afternoon-evening, which leads to a changeover from rain to a wintry mix.—
Michael Autovino,
CBS News,
19 Jan. 2026
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Big Thief drummer and sometime producer James Krivchenia produced the new LP at Meek and Germaine Dunes’ log-cabin studio in Los Angeles, Ringo Bingo.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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What began in Tehran late December in response to the collapse in currency and economic conditions quickly took on a political character -- with crowds on the streets openly calling for regime change.—
Somayeh Malekian,
ABC News,
27 Jan. 2026
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In fact, afternoon highs are forecast to stay below freezing, making this an unusually persistent cold spell for late January.—
Justin Lewis,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Once.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/once. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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