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Definitions

nothing but

ADVERB
all
Synonyms
STRONGEST
alone only
WEAK
solely
Antonyms
WEAK
incompletely
ADVERB
just
Synonyms
STRONG
but only simply
WEAK
at most no more than plainly solely
Antonyms
WEAK
indefinitely
ADVERB
only
Synonyms
STRONGEST
alone entirely hardly merely particularly purely simply solely
STRONG
but just
WEAK
at most plainly totally uniquely utterly wholly
Antonyms
STRONGEST
incompletely indefinitely

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.

A report is nothing but words if its recommendations aren’t implemented, and that question hangs over this one.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

That is equal to 3.4 million full-time workers doing nothing but filing out IRS forms for a year.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

Addressing the Sibanda family, Thompson said: "They have shown nothing but dignity throughout the investigation and continued to put their trust in us to get justice for Noah."

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

What’s the point of carrying on if your day’s been reduced to nothing but consumer choices made via smartphone?

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

But of course that would mean having a friend over, and a friend was nothing but a pain in the neck.

From "Wolfie & Fly" by Cary Fagan