Definitions

only

[ohn-lee] / ˈoʊn li /

ADJECTIVE

singular

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alone

WEAK

apart by oneself exclusive individual isolated lone matchless once in a lifetime one one and only one-shot particular peerless single sole solitary solo unaccompanied unequaled unique unparalleled unrivaled

ADVERB

barely; exclusively

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alone entirely hardly merely particularly purely simply solely

STRONG

but just

WEAK

at most nothing but 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.

“The only P.E. that belongs in youth sports is play equity,” Simril said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

There will be no further information, only biting intrigue.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

On 8 March, Hegseth told CBS News' 60 Minutes programme that the action seen so far was "only just the beginning".

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

“Converts” is an excellent book, but only a start.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The room is bigger than Mom’s entire house, and it’s standing room only.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam