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
The Mets’ shortstop, playing in only his third game back since returning from a calf strain, hit a game-tying, two-run triple off Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Alan Rangel in the sixth inning, breathing new life into the beleaguered team. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026 Colombia scored the second-most goals in South American qualifying (28), trailing only Argentina. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2026
Adjective
Powell isn’t the only person who suggests reaching for silk pants in the summer. Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 And this time the roll of the dice didn’t work, with Turkey getting its only win of the tournament on its last touch of the World Cup. Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for only
Recent Examples of Synonyms for only
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
Adverb
  • Unfortunately, there are several instances of bettors harassing players lately.
    Geoff Clark OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026
  • He’s been working at an insane clip lately, with this marking his sixth film of the 2020s.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 26 June 2026
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
Adjective
  • And with such excellent transit, there can be much greater housing density.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026
  • His group stage has been consistently excellent without announcing itself — the kind of contribution that shows up in the table rather than the highlights.
    Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 29 June 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 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
Adverb
  • On the other hand, a large yard filled solely with small plants can look indistinct unless a few larger plants are added as anchors.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2026
  • This ruling compels companies to confront systemic biases embedded in their hiring data, rather than solely blaming technology.
    Aparna Rae, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Adverb
  • Tracy had approached the team about a contract extension late in the 2005 season, a bold request considering the team’s record.
    Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • An 18-year-old man was killed in a shooting late Tuesday night in Pittsburgh's East Hills neighborhood.
    Mike Darnay, CBS News, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Only.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/only. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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