one of the only
idiom
: one of very few : one in a small class or category
That was one of the only times I ever saw my father cry.
This is one of the only places in the world where the plant is found.
Examples of one of the only in a Sentence
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Some members were suspicious and concerned about the optics, particularly as the developer of Silvergate, the senior living community proposed on Calzada del Bosque, was one of the only public comments made in support.
—
Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
Probably one of the only positive, really good things that humans make is art.
—Belinda Luscombe, Time, 9 Feb. 2026
This Presidents’ Day, skip that supposed mattress sale and head over to West Elm’s secret outlet for one of the only sales that matters this week.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Feb. 2026
In many cases, one of the only two viable parties can’t field enough candidates for the state legislature to mount a credible challenge to the other, more dominant party.
—Charlie Hunt, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2026
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Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
Probably one of the only positive, really good things that humans make is art.
—Belinda Luscombe, Time, 9 Feb. 2026
This Presidents’ Day, skip that supposed mattress sale and head over to West Elm’s secret outlet for one of the only sales that matters this week.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Feb. 2026
In many cases, one of the only two viable parties can’t field enough candidates for the state legislature to mount a credible challenge to the other, more dominant party.
—Charlie Hunt, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for one of the only
Cite this Entry
“One of the only.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one%20of%20the%20only. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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