once upon a time

ADVERB

formerly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

already earlier heretofore once

STRONG

erstwhile

WEAK

a while back aforetime anciently at one time away back back back when before before now before this down memory lane eons ago erewhile in former times in the olden days in the past lately long ago of old of yore olden days radically some time ago time was used to be water under the bridge

Antonyms

WEAK

currently future presently subsequently

ADVERB

once

Synonyms

STRONGEST

already before earlier formerly late previously

STRONG

erstwhile

WEAK

a single time at one time away back back back when but once 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 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.

“What kept them once upon a time, and still does, was/is sheer breadth, i.e. ‘always having something to watch.’

From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026

Pioneer Park used to be Calvary cemetery once upon a time.

From Salon • May 9, 2026

But once upon a time, they came with a stigma.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 22, 2025

Neil Findlay was a Labour MSP once upon a time.

From BBC • Sep. 3, 2025

Let us whisper along with him, “Ñawpa pachapi, once upon a time . . . ”

From "The Ugly One" by Leanne Statland Ellis