only 1 of 3

adverb

Definition of onlynext
1
as in just
for nothing other than you're doing that only to annoy me

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lately
not long ago we won the election only six days ago

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

ˈōn-lē How to pronounce only (audio)
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
as in one
being the one or ones of a class with no other members that is the only possible right answer we were the only passengers on the tour bus

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Steve Toussaint’s Lord Corlys knows this all too well, having sacrificed not only his family and legacy, but now his ships and ancestral home in service of Rhaenyra’s claim to the Iron Throne. — Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 6 July 2026 But Vakulenko of Carnegie believes supply problems in Moscow are real, thanks not only to the June attacks but multiple strikes on refineries in the surrounding regions that supply the capital. — Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Adjective
The total amount of time spent sitting or reclining isn't the only factor determining cancer risk. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 Built in 1962, architect Eero Saarinen’s former Trans World Airlines terminal is the only on-airport hotel at JFK. — Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for only
Recent Examples of Synonyms for only
  1. just
  2. lately
  3. merely
  4. excellent
  5. one
  6. but
  7. solely
  8. late
Adverb
  • Well, Ariana seems to remember, whereas Hudson is determined to just undo the breakup and pretend like none of it ever happened.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 2 July 2026
  • Now that the news is out, ENHYPEN is doing more than just showing up for a panel.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of just
Adverb
  • But lately, the chaos in the United States made the song seem regrettably apropos.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • That stands in contrast to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who's been publicly at odds with the White House a lot lately.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of lately
Adverb
  • Rather than merely exporting minerals, the company has emphasized domestic refining to better align with Ethiopia's industrial objectives.
    — Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • They’re heavily scheduled as working training vessels and ambassadors of goodwill, and merely getting on their itineraries required planning that began in April 2020.
    — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 30 June 2026
Definition of merely
Adjective
  • While San Francisco’s bullpen is struggling, Rogers is in the midst of another excellent season after signing a three-year, $37 million deal to join the defending American League champions.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • Guests can borrow, for no charge, one of four Mate e-bikes for spins around the park or beyond, say to Tanimachi nearby for local neighborhood vibes, including charming izakayas, gyoza shops, and excellent, one-woman restaurants such as Tachiaoi.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Definition of excellent
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
Definition of one
Conjunction
  • 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
  • The tech firm didn’t pull that video down, but reached out to police.
    — Queenie Wong, The Mercury News, 3 May 2017
Definition of but
Adverb
  • State officials updated guidance for traffic stops involving legally armed drivers and Ramsey County law enforcement agencies shifted away from stopping drivers solely for equipment violations, such as broken taillights.
    — Tyler Quattrin, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026
  • Boeing’s Starliner costs and delays remain the target of the latest audit from NASA’s Office of the Inspector General, but remains a cheaper option for the agency than relying solely on SpaceX for its commercial crew needs.
    — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2026
Definition of solely
Adverb
  • Shortstop Miguel Rojas, who botched a grounder to his left earlier in the inning that enabled a run to score, was late breaking to cover third, leaving the bag wide open.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • The Americans, at last coming up for air, had a moment late in the half that buoyed a capacity crowd in Seattle’s NFL stadium and numerous watch parties throughout San Diego County.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
Definition of late

Browse Nearby Words

onlookers
only
on no account
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Only.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/only. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of only for Spanish Speakers

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