ONLY Synonyms: 244 Similar and Opposite Words

only 1 of 3

adverb

Definition of only

as in just

for nothing other than you're doing that only to annoy me

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in lately

not long ago we won the election only six days ago

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

ˈōn-lē

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

as in one

being the one or ones of a class with no other members that is the only possible right answer we were the only passengers on the tour bus

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Carleton was surprised by how many older adults were thrilled to join a trial that would guide not only their care, but the treatment of others going forward. — Allessandra Dicorato, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026 In that case, too, Erica and Peter not only lived nine months rent-free in the apartment until, as the case dragged on, a judge ordered them to start paying for use of the space, but Erica also criticized the conditions there. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 8 Oct. 2026

Adjective

Corporate leaders, especially in finance, say industrial-scale AI hacking represents a severe threat to business, with many racing to adopt the technology themselves as the only antidote. — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026 Streamlined and minimal, the only bells and whistles in Branch’s office furniture are details that make a real difference throughout the workday (like adjustable arm rests and flexible lumbar support). — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for only

Recent Examples of Synonyms for only

Adverb

That is because Lula, Brazil’s current president and campaigning candidate, had been parading the centre of Rio just a few hundred meters away from the port.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Kagan and Soai figured out, for the first time, a way to create just one of those mirror images.

— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of just

Adverb

So language modeling seems to be merely a powerful component of human cognition, not its equivalent or source.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026
Other Mommy’s poor reviews did not deter the public, who merely wanted to see Jessica Chastain make that weird face some more.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of merely

Adjective

Her shoes are already a favorite among industry insiders for their sleek appeal and excellent construction.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
In late September, the concept was thrust back into the public consciousness thanks to a Variety interview with actor Jack Innanen, who plays the Canadian himbo Paul Baker on the excellent sitcom Adults.

— Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of excellent

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

Definition of one

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

Definition of but

Adverb

Rather than relying solely on better control software, the team is investigating whether designing the robot’s mass, inertia, and force characteristics differently can make complex movements easier to achieve.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
Firms do not apply or pay to be considered, and inclusion and ranking are based solely on the list's methodology.

— Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Kelli Grant, CFP®, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of solely

Adverb

But when Regan and his union, SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West, called the academics sometime late last summer, suggesting a ballot measure that couldn’t be vetoed by the governor, the academics saw a new opening.

— Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026
But Jesse Minter took Tyler Huntley into Atlanta and came away with an overtime win, even after the Ravens looked headed for a loss late in the fourth quarter.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of late

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Style

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

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Synonyms of only

adverb

adjective

conjunction

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