once

[wuhns] / wʌns /

ADJECTIVE

in the past; occurred one time only

Synonyms

STRONGEST

already before earlier formerly previously

STRONG

erstwhile late

WEAK

back back when bygone 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

ADVERB

in the past; occurred one time only

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 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 plugged in, started playing,” Mr. Ross once told me.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

We’re tapping digital buttons that now stand in for physical buttons that once stood in for a mechanical method for interacting with a complex system.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

Major daytime attacks by Russia, which were once rare, have been increasing.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

"This formation pathway has only been seen once before."

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

The difference between my 21 years and his 26 was not, after all, as big as it had once been.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

once

Example Sentences

Related Words