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.

The focus will be on analyzing the layout of the buildings and the patterns of deposited materials to reconstruct the rituals that once took place there.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

The scandal coincided with the termination of its chief executive, Ross Levinsohn, who once held a leadership role at the Los Angeles Times.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

The Blocks aren’t as well-known as the Grahams, who once owned the Washington Post, or the Chandlers, past owners of the Los Angeles Times.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Just over a year after the unveiling of the "Frankfurt Silver Inscription" -- the oldest known Christian written testimony north of the Alps -- attention is once again turning to this ancient site.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

Before this, he’d never sent a soul to the wrong realm more than once.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

once

Example Sentences

Related Words