Definitions

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 female flies only mate once, so sterilized males help suppress the population.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

"Football is nothing without the fans," the legendary late former Scotland World Cup manager Jock Stein once said.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

“For sovereign-wealth funds affected by the Iran war, there’s an added incentive to sell their shares once the lockup ends and convert the dollar proceeds back into their home currencies.”

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

Get it right, and the tournament could once again inspire a nation.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

I assure him once again that it was just a freak thing and that nothing is wrong with me.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

Vocabulary lists containing once

4-letter words, List 2

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once

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing once

4-letter words, List 2