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
As the years go on, the combinations of letters are only going to get longer. The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026 According to the release, 15 participating dogs have special needs, including Wynonna, a determined pup with only three legs; and Eleanor, who is both deaf and vision-impaired. Chris Sims, IndyStar, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
The only problem is that she has not been paid for most of her work due to the Sacramento City Unified School District’s ongoing financial crisis. Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 5 Feb. 2026 The only role that’s set is the closer role with Devin Williams slotted in to finish games. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for only
Recent Examples of Synonyms for only
Adverb
  • The more massive the original star is, the shorter the post-AGB lifetime, down to a minimum of just over 1000 years.
    Big Think, Big Think, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The family was seeking safety in the town of Bohodukhiv, some 60 kilometers (38 miles) west of Kharkiv, having fled their home further east just days ago, Ukrainian police said in a statement posted on Telegram.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • But boy is Bezos leaning hard into his Bond villain perception lately.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Unfortunately, that’s not the direction Washington is heading in lately.
    Josh M. Shepherd, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • Monitoring and documentation requirements of releases are merely recommended, and avoidance and minimization of adverse impacts to animals, plants and the public are left up to the industry.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
  • When there is no separation of powers, but merely a separation of parties, this intricate system breaks down, leaving an imperial presidency with exactly the concentrated power that the Founders feared.
    Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Six solid to excellent major leaguers, two average ones and 11 busts.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Use Dryer Balls to Keep Sheets Separated Dryer balls are an excellent tool for combating tangled sheets.
    Anyssa Roberts, The Spruce, 5 Feb. 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 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
  • They are no longer seen solely as operators or stewards of capital.
    Alan H.H. Fleischmann, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
  • All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, or its parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium.
    Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • Grocery stores – known for running on slim profit margins – are adopting them late in part due to their high upfront cost, Semmann said.
    Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that two sets of DOJ regulations were sent to the Office of Administrative Law for review on December 23, 2025, before being approved late on Friday.
    Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Only.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/only. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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