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
Speaking of the 2023 playoffs, the Rangers active 28-man roster features only three players who were also on their ‘23 postseason roster. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025 In the lead-up to this revenge match, Rodgers insisted that this was Week 1, and only Week 1. Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Other leaks have previously suggested some markets will see Apple move to eSIM-only versions for its iPhone 17. PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025 The Rolling Stone Culture Council is an invitation-only community for Influencers, Innovators and Creatives. Chris Schembra, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for only
Recent Examples of Synonyms for only
Adverb
  • If just one mishap goes the other way, maybe Dallas walks away with a victory on opening night.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Start by cutting back the top growth to just a couple of inches to expose the crown of the plant.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • In the early part of his campaign, Simpson performed his climbs by himself, but lately his father has joined him in the adventure.
    David Chiu, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Tough to know what to make of the Detroit Tigers lately.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Splunk’s Play for the AI-Driven Enterprise Splunk no longer sees itself merely as a log analysis or monitoring company.
    Victor Dey, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The Jays’ offence is deep and dynamic, able to thrive despite merely good play from Guerrero.
    The Athletic MLB Staff, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But on a day when Mizzou amassed 595 total yards, converted 4 of 5 fourth downs and got an excellent effort from first-year starting quarterback Beau Pribula, surrendering possession had to fill Kansas followers with a sense of dread.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The openings can keep your feet cool or give you an excellent way to show off some eye-catching socks once the weather get cooler.
    Isis Briones, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 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
  • Head coach Mike McDaniel was the first to admit Sunday that the game's result wasn't solely on his quarterback.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Some perspective is needed when focusing solely on Brown’s touches.
    Zach Berman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Despite being in the red zone before the Sanders fumble and having a chance to convert deep shots late, the Cowboys ultimately could not get into plus-territory to get on the scoreboard.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
  • However, late in the third, particularly after the hour-long rain delay, the Cowboys stepped up.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Only.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/only. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on only

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!