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
Tori Latham, Robb Report, 21 May 2025
It is being manufactured at the Kia plant in West Point, Georgia, though only 20% of all the company's vehicle parts come from the U.S. or Canada.
—Charles Singh, USA Today, 10 May 2025
Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 20 May 2025
The Moorehead family isn’t the only one left to navigate an unexplainable tragedy.
—Sam Gillette, People.com, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for only
Adverb
Right above is an office accessible only by a ladder, giving it a sort of treehouse feel.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 21 May 2025
It is being manufactured at the Kia plant in West Point, Georgia, though only 20% of all the company's vehicle parts come from the U.S. or Canada.
—Charles Singh, USA Today, 10 May 2025
Adjective
So far, Novo Nordisk is the only company with a daily oral GLP-1 pill, and Eli Lilly could soon follow suit with orforglipron.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 20 May 2025
The Moorehead family isn’t the only one left to navigate an unexplainable tragedy.
—Sam Gillette, People.com, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for only
Recent Examples of Synonyms for only
Adverb
-
The Oilers got out in front early, scoring just 1:27 into the game off the stick of Adam Henrique, his second goal of the playoffs, which turned out to be all the Oilers would need.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 May 2025
-
The singer had just gotten off the road from her Strip Love arena tour.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
Adverb
-
Why Are More Americans Interested In Dual Citizenship? Marshall has also noticed a clear trend of more Americans, especially those with significant assets, applying for dual citizenship lately.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 May 2025
-
The two admired the rapper's car collection as 2 Chainz explained his love for a certain Tesla model that has been under scrutiny lately.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
Adverb
-
The ancient story likely no longer held any religious value for Pompeii residents and served merely as a decoration and status display, Zuchtriegel said.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
17 May 2025
-
But the defense is hoping to cast her recollections merely as sickening details in a deranged love story between two consenting and jealous adults.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
Adjective
-
During informational interviews, asking for ideas of great places to keep an eye on is an excellent way to add to your list.—
Rebecca Fraser-Thill,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
-
Give your wooden nickel to the mixologist, take your pick between La Babia, an excellent margarita, or Three Emmas, grab a book off the shelf, and take a seat.—
Mae Hamilton,
Travel + Leisure,
24 May 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
-
Its continued existence occurs solely because of our commitment to enable it to survive.—
Jody Mamone,
Hartford Courant,
20 May 2025
-
The bill, which goes into effect July 1, says an officer cannot stop a boat or board someone’s boat solely to do a safety or equipment inspection.—
Angie DiMichele,
Sun Sentinel,
19 May 2025
Adverb
-
Richard filed an ongoing civil lawsuit of her own against Combs late last year.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
19 May 2025
-
And for even more star style, see every major outfit of late here.—
Catherine Santino,
People.com,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Only.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/only. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share