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
Most of the photos were taken from the waist up, but the actress also included two full-body selfies, which not only showed off her toned body, but also the stunning rocky landscape surrounding her. Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2025 Not only did Sarah Michelle Gellar reprise her role as Helen Shivers in the movie, but she’s also heavily referenced throughout the new film. Keith Langston, People.com, 20 July 2025
Adjective
The only Cuban natives with more homers were Rafael Palmiero (569) and Jose Canseco (480). Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 Merrell Women's Moab 3 Mid Hiking Shoes Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Shoes Unsurprisingly, my brother and I aren’t the only fans of these hiking shoes. Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for only
Recent Examples of Synonyms for only
Adverb
  • As a result, their bonus pool is just $6.57 million, third lowest among MLB teams.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Mason is a stand-up comic Pryor's youngest son is a stand-up comic, just like his dad.
    Julie Tremaine, People.com, 13 July 2025
Adverb
  • My neighbors have been driving me up the wall lately.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
  • Ferrero was founded in Italy nearly 80 years ago and has lately been on a quest to expand its American reach.
    Alina Selyukh, NPR, 10 July 2025
Adverb
  • The Harvard Business Review reinforces this: Emotionally connected customers are more than twice as valuable as merely satisfied ones.
    Manu Mathew, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • These are important questions, but are ultimately merely nibbling around the edges of the main problem, which is that Rikers Island has for decades now been a cesspool of unconstitutional conduct and rampant violence that has shocked even longtime criminal justice observers like Martin.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • This Dyson model is lightweight and has powerful suction and motorized tools that are excellent for getting hair out of carpets and upholstery.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
  • There is not a lot of room, but the midfielder is excellent at operating in tight spaces.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 11 July 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
  • Employers are no longer hiring based solely on credentials.
    Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • Individuals suffering solely from mental illness will be excluded from eligibility.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025
Adverb
  • And with the rain comes cooler temperatures, with highs barely reaching 100 degrees by late in the week.
    Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 15 July 2025
  • And for even more star style, see every major outfit of late here.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Only.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/only. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

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