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
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Recent Examples of only
Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2026
That reaction only got louder when Messi was shown on the giant video screens behind both nets.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 8 Mar. 2026
Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
Defending champion India's only loss in the tournament so far was against South Africa.
—ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for only
Adverb
Customers have used it not only in their own homes but also in their boats and RVs.
—Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2026
That reaction only got louder when Messi was shown on the giant video screens behind both nets.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Trusty saltines are a Southern staple ingredient for classic recipes like Fire Crackers, Atlantic Beach Pie, and Cracker Toffee; and the only option for serving with pimento cheese and West Indies.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
Defending champion India's only loss in the tournament so far was against South Africa.
—ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for only
Recent Examples of Synonyms for only
Adverb
-
What about Tyler Conklin, whose previous annual average value, per Sportac, was just about $3 million?—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Mar. 2026
-
That’s why an X-ray telescope that would be superior in those regards has so much discovery potential just awaiting it.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
11 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Michkov has lately been playing on the left wing with Brink and Noah Cates.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Trump had suggested Iranians would overthrow their government, but lately hinted that regime moderates could take over.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
6 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Dallas used the franchise tag to keep receiver George Pickens from becoming an unrestricted free agent, but that’s merely a Band-Aid.—
Omar Kelly
March 8,
Miami Herald,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Saturday evening, the NYPD was still investigating if the devices were merely smoke bombs or actual explosive that didn’t ignite, Tisch said.—
Rebecca White,
New York Daily News,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The large cast of smaller roles and chorus is excellent.—
Classical Music Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Evans Scholars must have a strong caddie record, excellent academics, demonstrated financial need and outstanding character, the release said.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 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
-
Persons who tamper with or abuse any aspect of the Giveaway or website, who act in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner or who are in violation of these Official Rules, as solely determined by Sponsor, will be disqualified and all associated entries will be void.—
AJC.com,
AJC.com,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Copeland and Ucman, who were 21 and 22 years old at the time of the baby’s death, were tried this year in one trial by two separate San Diego Superior Court juries, each tasked solely with deciding one defendant’s fate.—
City News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
The rates were similar in the private sector, where 41% reported using AI late last year, including a quarter who reported using it frequently.—
Morgan Chalfant,
semafor.com,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Savanti Travel’s Rowan recalled a client, who was in Paris on a business trip, arriving late for an appointment after ChatGPT suggested a route that failed to account for road closures due to construction.—
Sydney Goh,
CNBC,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Only.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/only. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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