one-sided

adjective

one-sid·​ed ˈwən-ˈsī-dəd How to pronounce one-sided (audio)
Synonyms of one-sidednext
1
a(1)
: having one side prominent : lopsided
(2)
: having or occurring on one side only
b
: limited to one side : partial
a one-sided interpretation
2
: unilateral
a one-sided decision
one-sidedly adverb
one-sidedness noun

Synonyms of one-sided

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Examples of one-sided in a Sentence

my neighbor's account of how the feud got started was somewhat one-sided
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Our daughter-in-law is definitely one-sided. — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 25 June 2026 For example, if the agreement is extremely one-sided or leaves one spouse at a severe disadvantage. — Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 6 July 2026 Their relationship, however, is not one-sided — Swift has a loyal fan in Meredith. — Jessica Booth, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026 Friendship was a tender, absurd depiction of a one-sided, quasi-platonic infatuation. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for one-sided

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1793, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of one-sided was circa 1793

Rhymes for one-sided

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Browse Nearby Words

one sick puppy
one-sided
onesie
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Cite this Entry

“One-sided.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one-sided. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

one-sided

adjective
one-sid·​ed
ˈwən-ˈsīd-əd
1
a
: having one side more developed
b
: having or happening on one side only
2
: favoring one side : partial
a one-sided view of the case
one-sidedly adverb
one-sidedness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on one-sided

Nglish: Translation of one-sided for Spanish Speakers

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