but once

ADVERB

once

Synonyms

STRONGEST

already before earlier formerly late previously

STRONG

erstwhile

WEAK

a single time at one time away back back back when bygone heretofore in the old days in the olden days in times gone by in times past long ago old on one occasion once only once upon a time one one time before one time previously only one time quondam sometime this time time was whilom

Antonyms

STRONGEST

currently future later presently

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"We know where the really bad areas are… but once you've done it, and it looks nice and clean and tidy, that's why we do it."

From BBC • May 6, 2026

The group mostly reads contemporary literature, but once a year, they tackle a classic — or “a downer,” as they’ve come to call them.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

Then I discovered the da Vinci rhythm, which is to sleep for 15 minutes every few hours, but once I had an office job, I couldn’t just suddenly lie down at work.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

These macroeconomic forces are important to investors, but once earnings season begins, investors have microeconomic data to parse through.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 19, 2026

I wish that had changed everything, but once daylight hits, we get weird again.

From "Sparrow" by Sarah Moon

but once

Example Sentences

Related Words