only 1 of 3

Definition of onlynext
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
Two seasons later, Dryer earned his one and only Pro Bowl nod. Jim Reineking, USA Today, 6 July 2026 The same goes for discovering petite-friendly clothing brands with styles that not only fit, but also flatter shorter frames. Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2026
Adjective
Historical accuracy isn’t the only rubric that art is judged by, though. Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 3 July 2026 The total amount of time spent sitting or reclining isn't the only factor determining cancer risk. Adam England, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for only
Recent Examples of Synonyms for only
Adverb
  • Well, Ariana seems to remember, whereas Hudson is determined to just undo the breakup and pretend like none of it ever happened.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 2 July 2026
  • Now that the news is out, ENHYPEN is doing more than just showing up for a panel.
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Adverb
  • But lately, the chaos in the United States made the song seem regrettably apropos.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • That stands in contrast to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who's been publicly at odds with the White House a lot lately.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Adverb
  • Rather than merely exporting minerals, the company has emphasized domestic refining to better align with Ethiopia's industrial objectives.
    Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • They’re heavily scheduled as working training vessels and ambassadors of goodwill, and merely getting on their itineraries required planning that began in April 2020.
    Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • And with such excellent transit, there can be much greater housing density.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026
  • His group stage has been consistently excellent without announcing itself — the kind of contribution that shows up in the table rather than the highlights.
    Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 29 June 2026
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 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
  • The tech firm didn’t pull that video down, but reached out to police.
    Queenie Wong, The Mercury News, 3 May 2017
Adverb
  • On the other hand, a large yard filled solely with small plants can look indistinct unless a few larger plants are added as anchors.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2026
  • This ruling compels companies to confront systemic biases embedded in their hiring data, rather than solely blaming technology.
    Aparna Rae, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Adverb
  • Tracy had approached the team about a contract extension late in the 2005 season, a bold request considering the team’s record.
    Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • An 18-year-old man was killed in a shooting late Tuesday night in Pittsburgh's East Hills neighborhood.
    Mike Darnay, CBS News, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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