1
as in just
for nothing other than
you're doing that only to annoy me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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
Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2025
November is one of the best times to visit, not only for mild weather and lively cultural events like Diwahli, but for a chance to connect with the city’s military heritage.
—Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2025
Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 27 Oct. 2025
The Charlotte performance is the only North Carolina stop on the tour.
—Tamia Boyd, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for only
Adverb
The fact that only 24 examples of the Torpedo exist—each with distinctive hull colors, fabrics, and leathers—explains the brand’s heirloom appeal.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2025
November is one of the best times to visit, not only for mild weather and lively cultural events like Diwahli, but for a chance to connect with the city’s military heritage.
—Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
To be clear, Kiin Kiin isn’t the only Thai restaurant in Meridian.
—Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 27 Oct. 2025
The Charlotte performance is the only North Carolina stop on the tour.
—Tamia Boyd, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for only
Recent Examples of Synonyms for only
Adverb
-
In terms of competition, though, Huawei is the alpha dog in Chinese AI chips, shipping between 300,000 and 400,000 of its Ascend AI chips last year, compared to just north of 10,000 units from Cambricon.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
24 Oct. 2025
-
The storm is due to drift west Saturday and could move on to, or just south of Jamaica, early next week.—
Josh Cradduck,
NBC news,
24 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
But lately, some patients have had difficulty with this device.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
-
The Bills are coming off a bye and are on the road, against veteran backup QB Andy Dalton and the Carolina Panthers, but Buffalo hasn’t looked like itself lately, losing two straight entering Week 8.—
Jeff Howe,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
Those who remember that cinema is, first and foremost, an art form — and those who are content to see it merely as another audiovisual sub-product.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
28 Oct. 2025
-
After all, there are still around 1090 of them left over from the Big Bang within merely our observable Universe.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
This is where the Greenpoint comes from, an excellent neo-classic riff on a Manhattan that was invented at Milk & Honey in New York, and comprises the classic build of Manhattan—rye, sweet vermouth, and bitters—into which has been spliced the inimitable French herbal liqueur, Yellow Chartreuse.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
25 Oct. 2025
-
The Jayhawks did an excellent job of getting back in transition, limiting Louisville’s fast-break opportunities.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
25 Oct. 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
-
As part of the newsroom, all Alyssa’s work and coverage decisions are overseen solely by Journal Sentinel editors.—
Alyssa N. Salcedo,
jsonline.com,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.—
Jason Phillips,
AZCentral.com,
27 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
Stone, who rocked a daring pixie cut during awards season, has also been making headlines for her style as of late — particularly for opening up about shaving her head for her role in Bugonia.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
-
To be fair, Rainbow Kitten Surprise managed to show up late last year for an indoor gig at Boise State’s ExtraMile Arena.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Only.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/only. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share