only 1 of 3

Definition of onlynext
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
Justices on both sides of the decision agree that what’s left now is a Voting Rights Act in name only. Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026 The game continues for several weeks until only one person is left. Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026
Adjective
Mfume has not joined in the negative attack game, but Conway, like other failing candidates, has decided his only political pathway is simply to run a nasty and divisive campaign. Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 30 Apr. 2026 These are not the only freaky things about the town presided over by Mayor Tom Loftis (the brilliant Matthew Rhys), who is itching to turn this place into a tourist destination. Jen Chaney, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for only
Recent Examples of Synonyms for only
Adverb
  • When the king talked about his Christian faith, GOP lawmakers were rowdier than Democrats, many of whom offered just tepid applause.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Then, not only that, just to be able to cash in, that’s like the next step there.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • This and other videos like it have been making the rounds lately, using tricks for clicks.
    Lisa de los Reyes, HollywoodReporter, 1 May 2026
  • With savings account interest rates of 4% or higher ubiquitous lately and those offers unlikely to change now that the Fed is holding steady (there won't be another meeting again until June), savers who have yet to take advantage may want to seriously consider doing so now.
    Matt Richardson, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Gallup finds that Americans are now nearly evenly split on whether the American Dream is fundamentally about opportunity — the ability to improve your life through education and better work — or stability, merely being able to hold a family together with a job and a safe place to live.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 3 May 2026
  • Gerrymanders that discriminate against Black voters could be justified today as merely offering partisan advantage to Republicans.
    Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • Soft white sand, clear waters and excellent surf draw beachgoers to this vast beach.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
  • This makes buffalo grass an excellent choice for naturally controlling soil erosion.
    Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 30 Apr. 2026
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
  • All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, or its parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium.
    Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 1 May 2026
  • Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 1 May 2026
Adverb
  • The Grammy winner, 31, who debuted late last month as Zidler in the Tony-winning adaptation of the 2001 musical film, will now be taking her final bow on Friday — less than a week after her post Saturday accusing 36-year-old Thompson of infidelity.
    Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The Flyers would pull Vladar late in the third period to find a game-tying goal, but time would expire, giving the Penguins a 3-2 win.
    Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Only.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/only. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

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