Synonyms of only

only 1 of 3

adverb

1

as in just

for nothing other than

you're doing that only to annoy me

Synonyms & Similar Words

• just
• solely
• purely
• simply
• exclusively
• alone
• primarily
• mostly
• mainly
• basically
• generally
• largely
• principally
• substantially
• chiefly
• predominantly
• by and large

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• also
• likewise
• additionally
• besides

2

as in lately

not long ago

we won the election only six days ago

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lately
• late
• just
• newly
• recently
• now
• new
• freshly
• of late
• latterly

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• previously
• before
• early
• earlier
• ago
• formerly
• anciently
• heretofore
• hitherto
• erstwhile

3

as in merely

nothing more than

I was only fooling when I said I saw a shark in the water

Synonyms & Similar Words

• just
• merely
• simply
• purely
• but

only

2 of 3

adjective

ˈōn-lē 

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

• excellent
• exceptional
• extraordinary
• great
• uncommon
• beautiful
• unique
• wonderful
• out of sight
• unusual
• unmatched
• unparalleled
• immense
• superb
• rare
• incomparable
• unrivaled
• peerless
• unequaled
• unsurpassed
• matchless
• lovely
• unsurpassable
• inimitable
• divine
• alone
• unexampled
• heavenly
• fine
• marvelous
• special
• singular
• better
• stellar
• terrific
• nonpareil
• awesome
• choice
• superior
• famous
• fabulous
• keen
• prime
• fantastic
• preferred
• classic
• grand
• quality
• noble
• mean
• brave
• top
• gone
• sterling
• prize
• first-class
• superlative
• dandy
• splendid
• first-rate
• cracking
• wizard
• nifty
• neat
• swell
• frontline
• number one
• sensational
• capital
• par excellence
• fancy
• high-class
• banner
• boss
• peachy
• radical
• out-of-sight
• A1
• dope
• brag
• righteous
• bully
• primo
• hot
• groovy
• supernal
• down
• top-notch
• dynamite
• cool
• bumper
• gangbusters
• A-OK
• hype
• first-string
• high-grade
• peachy keen
• numero uno
• fab
• fantabulous
• tip-top
• crackerjack
• corking
• blue-chip
• jim-dandy
• boffo
• prizewinning
• bang-up
• bonny
• five-star
• phat

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• common
• normal
• usual
• ordinary
• frequent
• familiar
• lesser
• worse
• worst
• everyday
• commonplace
• routine
• ubiquitous
• lower
• garden
• poor
• inferior
• bad
• low
• off
• ill
• wanting
• unacceptable
• paltry
• unsatisfactory
• deficient
• lousy
• bastard
• lame
• substandard
• depressed
• household
• bush
• terrible
• low-grade
• mediocre
• awful
• second-class
• pathetic
• dissatisfactory
• wretched
• atrocious
• punk
• vile
• rotten
• bush-league
• execrable
• second-rate

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

• one
• lone
• special
• unique
• sole
• single
• alone
• solitary
• singular
• sui generis
• distinctive
• distinct
• one-off
• unaccompanied
• unparalleled
• unattended
• incomparable
• solo
• unrivaled
• peerless
• unequaled
• separate
• matchless
• unsurpassable
• unmatched
• inimitable
• individual
• unsurpassed
• nonce

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• myriad
• mixed
• varied
• multifarious
• manifold
• miscellaneous
• prevalent
• popular
• assorted
• promiscuous
• prevailing
• rampant
• heterogenous
• divers
• perennial
• recurrent
• repeated
• patchwork
• motley

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

• but
• except
• yet
• saving

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of only

Adverb

Frey was the baby of the bunch, but Browne had experience the older Souther could only imagine. — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Aug. 2026

Where to eat and drink The 1947 classic Cattlemen's Steak House, which was given a new life—along with a members-only club in its basement—by mega-producer Taylor Sheridan, features modern steakhouse go-tos. — Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026

Adjective

The imposing gate and incline signal that privacy is one of the adults-only resort’s strongest assets, attracting high-profile guests like Katy Perry and Sir Paul McCartney. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026

The Algorithm then runs the numbers and determines that the only way to save the silo is for Bernard to go out to clean. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026