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
The European Union supplies only nonlethal equipment. Rania Abouzeid, New Yorker, 2 June 2025 Overall, Mercedes only scored 18 points in those three weeks, all of which came via Russell, and now, Ferrari has passed it for second in the constructors standings. Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Adjective
Black Tomato is far from the only operator dreaming up next-level challenges, as travel advisors, tour companies, and even cruise lines are tailoring their offerings to what some call Type 2 fun: experiences that are difficult in the moment, but enriching in hindsight. Scott Bay, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2025 Happy Father’s Day, Dad. Wilkie Ferguson honorees Warm congratulations to Oliver L. Gross, who on June 7 was the only non-lawyer among five honorees recognized at the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. Bar Association and Foundation’s 44th installation and scholarship gala. Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for only
Recent Examples of Synonyms for only
Adverb
  • Keep scrolling to check out my 10 go-to beach essentials, with prices starting at just $9.
    Toni Sutton, People.com, 7 June 2025
  • But Cyrus, who just released her Something Beautiful audio recording last week, with the visual album set to come out next week, is already looking to the future.
    Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 7 June 2025
Adverb
  • Closing out tournaments has been his Achilles’ heel lately, and the pressure to win again is beginning to build.
    Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • Various chemicals, from those in plastics to food additives, have made headlines lately for their potential roles in triggering diseases.
    Matt Fuchs, Time, 5 June 2025
Adverb
  • By understanding this nuanced relationship, leaders and HR professionals can develop more effective interventions that address the underlying causes of disengagement rather than merely treating its symptoms.
    Jonathan H. Westover, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Could Berg have launched that boycott, instead of merely threatening to do so?
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • Robin will make an excellent addition to our great Kentucky State Senate Majority!
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
  • Greenery also makes an excellent addition to a resortcore space.
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 June 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
  • They are prohibited from interfering with lawful assemblies or collecting information on individuals based solely on identity, beliefs or associations.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2025
  • Romantic comedies have always existed almost solely for pleasure’s sake—that’s what’s great about them.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 13 June 2025
Adverb
  • Masoud ended up picking her up two hours late for their dinner.
    Alexandra Hurtado, People.com, 12 June 2025
  • Sure, Tyrese Haliburton nearly had a triple-double and Pascal Siakam scored 21 points and Myles Turner battled through illness to have a pair of huge blocks late in Indiana’s 116-107 victory Wednesday night, but McConnell and Mathurin were the story.
    Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Only.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/only. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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