Only Definition & Meaning

only
adverb
  1. and nothing more; "I was merely asking"; "it is simply a matter of time"; "just a scratch"; "he was only a child"; "hopes that last but a moment"
  2. without any others being included or involved; "was entirely to blame"; "a school devoted entirely to the needs of problem children"; "he works for Mr. Smith exclusively"; "did it solely for money"; "the burden of proof rests on the prosecution alone"; "a privilege granted only to him"
  3. with nevertheless the final result; "He arrived only to find his wife dead"; "We won only to lose again in the next round"
  4. in the final outcome; "These news will only make you more upset"
  5. except that; "It was the same story; only this time she came out better"
  6. never except when; "call me only if your cold gets worse"
  7. as recently as; "I spoke to him only an hour ago"
adjective
  1. being the only one; single and isolated from others; "the lone doctor in the entire county"; "a lonesome pine"; "an only child"; "the sole heir"; "the sole example"; "a solitary instance of cowardice"; "a solitary speck in the sky"
  2. exclusive of anyone or anything else; "she alone believed him"; "cannot live by bread alone"; "I'll have this car and this car only"

Synonyms for only

alone adv

without any others being included or involved; "was entirely to blame

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
but adv

and nothing more; "I was merely asking"; "it is simply a matter of time"; "just a scratch"; "he was only a child

♫ Rhymes
entirely adv

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (`whole' is often used informally for `wholly')

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
exclusive adj

not divided or shared with others; "they have exclusive use of the machine

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
exclusively adv

without any others being included or involved; "was entirely to blame

♫ Rhymes
just adv

and nothing more; "I was merely asking"; "it is simply a matter of time"; "just a scratch"; "he was only a child

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
lone adj

lacking companions or companionship; "he was alone when we met him"; "she is alone much of the time

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
lonesome adj

being the only one; single and isolated from others; "the lone doctor in the entire county"; "a lonesome pine

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
merely adv

and nothing more; "I was merely asking"; "it is simply a matter of time"; "just a scratch"; "he was only a child

♫ Rhymes
simply adv

and nothing more; "I was merely asking"; "it is simply a matter of time"; "just a scratch"; "he was only a child

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms

"Only" in song lyrics

See how only is used in real songs:

  • "Lately, I'm lonely cause you're still the only"
    3 Melancholy Gypsies — Beautiful Mind
  • "Cause I made a promise to your mama when we was only 12"
    504 Boyz — Beefing
  • "to only"
    51.50 — Stuck in the Game

Words that rhyme with only

See all rhymes for only →

Usage tips for "only"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "only" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for only to find words that pair well.

Use "only" in a verse

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♫ Rhymes with only ↔ Synonyms for only 🔬 Words containing only

Frequently asked questions

What does only mean?
and nothing more; "I was merely asking"; "it is simply a matter of time"; "just a scratch"; "he was only a child"; "hopes that last but a moment" without any others being included or involved; "was entirely to blame"; "a school devoted entirely to the needs of problem children"; "he works for Mr. Smith exclusively"; "did it solely for money"; "the burden of proof rests on the prosecution alone"; "a privilege granted only to him" with nevertheless the final result
What part of speech is only?
Only is an adverb and an adjective.
How many definitions does only have?
Only has 9 definitions across 2 parts of speech (adverb, adjective).

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