once 1 of 3

adverb

ˈwən(t)s How to pronounce once (audio)
Definition of oncenext
as in formerly
at an earlier or previous time I once knew the quotation, but time has taken its toll on my brain cells

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

once

2 of 3

adjective

as in former
having been such at some previous time the once child star is now a lawyer in the entertainment industry

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

once

3 of 3

conjunction

as in when
just at the moment that you should have stopped wrestling once you knew someone was getting hurt, not five minutes later

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 once
Adverb
An owner who once met problems with energy may begin meeting them with dread, a shift that degrades the quality of leadership inside the business. — Scott Hanson, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Unlike on New Year's Eve, the ball won't drop just once, but eight times for the first time ever to mark when the clock strikes midnight in each American time zone, according to the America250 website. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Adjective
The once jet-setting, Oscar-winning movie producer has remained in custody at Rikers Island jail, and has frequently been hospitalized due to health issues. — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2025 But after the final train departed in 1988, the once grand station sat vacant for more than 30 years, becoming a national symbol of Detroit's decline. — Rachelle Graham, CBS News, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for once
Recent Examples of Synonyms for once
  1. formerly
  2. former
  3. old
  4. other
  5. erstwhile
  6. past
  7. sometime
  8. late
Adverb
  • The company, formerly branded as Maxar, was acquired by Intuitive Machines in January 2026 for about $800 million.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 3 July 2026
  • The lake that formerly covered the work was far out, glistening nearly out of sight, and the sand cracked beneath our feet.
    — Lara Johnson-Wheeler, Vogue, 3 July 2026
Definition of formerly
Adjective
  • Johnston, Cobbins leaving Johnston’s departure comes just three years after becoming the long-term replacement for former County Administrator Doug Bach, who left the government under an $800,000 separation agreement.
    — Sofi Zeman July 2, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
  • The backstory Educator, journalist, and philanthropist Pleasant Rowland—best known to the world as the creator of the American Girl line of dolls—graduated from Wells College, a former school in town, in 1962.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
Definition of former
Adjective
  • The infant, who is 9 months old, was rescued along with her mother, the State Department told Fox News Digital.
    — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • While students honed their skills at the Santa Monica studio for the last year and four months, Blanck found an old pilates studio in Pacific Highlands for rent, but the numbers just didn't add up.
    — Rina Nakano, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of old
Adjective
  • The majority framed sports as different from other school settings because of what is at stake every time a roster is made, a medal is awarded or a scholarship is offered.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • Like so many other businesses and homes, cost has made coverage out of reach.
    — Brian New, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of other
Adjective
  • The erstwhile New York resident was loudly and vigorously booed by the hometown crowd as he was shown on the jumbotron of the legendary arena.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 8 June 2026
  • Despite his meltdown in Colorado’s extra-inning loss to Milwaukee Friday night, the erstwhile starter has been one of baseball’s best relievers this season.
    — Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 7 June 2026
Definition of erstwhile
Adjective
  • Then Mookie Betts drove him in with a comebacker over the mound and past flailing second baseman Edouard Julien.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Casemiro’s performance against Japan was a microcosm of his past three seasons at club level.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of past
Adjective
  • If necessary, Game 3 would be sometime Monday.
    — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 3 June 2026
  • That’s according to a new report from SAE International’s (and sometime Ars contributor) Roberto Baldwin.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 2 June 2026
Definition of sometime
Adjective
  • The European side then notched up a third goal from Hans Vanaken just before the hour mark, before Romelu Lukaku wrapped up the victory with a late strike in injury time.
    — Lee Ying Shan,Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 7 July 2026
  • Photographer Phil Oh captures the drama and frivolity in Paris as designers present their latest couture collections.
    — Phil Oh, Vogue, 7 July 2026
Definition of late

Phrases Containing once

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onanistic
once
once in a blue moon
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Cite this Entry

“Once.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/once. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of once for Spanish Speakers

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