ONLY: Synonyms and Related Words. What is Another Word for ONLY?

Need another word that means the same as “only”? Find 28 synonyms and 30 related words for “only” in this overview.

The synonyms of “Only” are: alone, entirely, exclusively, solely, but, just, merely, simply, only if, only when, only just, no more than, not more than, as little as, uniquely, wholly, lone, lonesome, sole, solitary, single, one, one and only, unique, only possible, individual, exclusive

Only as an Adjective

Definitions of "Only" as an adjective

According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, “only” as an adjective can have the following definitions:

• Alone deserving consideration.
• Exclusive of anyone or anything else.
• Alone of its or their kind; single or solitary.
• Being the only one; single and isolated from others.

Synonyms of "Only" as an adjective (12 Words)

alone	Isolated from others. They were not alone in dissenting from the advice.
exclusive	Restricted to the person, group, or area concerned. Mutually exclusive options.
individual	Having a striking or unusual character; original. We all have individual cars.
lone	Characterized by or preferring solitude. The lone skier on the mountain.
lonesome	Being the only one; single and isolated from others. Lonesome when her husband is away.
one	Being a single entity made by combining separate components. She s one girl in a million.
one and only	Of the same kind or quality.
only possible	Exclusive of anyone or anything else.
single	Being or characteristic of a single thing or person. Alcohol is the single most important cause of violence.
sole	Being the only one; single and isolated from others. The sole heir.
solitary	(of a flower or other part) borne singly. A solitary traveler.
unique	Belonging or connected to (one particular person, place, or thing. A style of architecture that is unique to Portugal.

Usage Examples of "Only" as an adjective

• He was an only child.
• The only medal we had ever won.
• It's simply the only place to be seen these days.
• I'll have this car and this car only.
• An only child.

Only as an Adverb

Definitions of "Only" as an adverb

According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, “only” as an adverb can have the following definitions:

• In the final outcome.
• Except that.
• Not until.
• As recently as.
• Never except when.
• No more than (implying that more was expected); merely.
• And nothing more.
• Without any others being included or involved.
• And no one or nothing more besides; solely.
• With nevertheless the final result.
• No longer ago than.
• In an inevitable but undesirable way.
• With the negative or unfortunate result that.

Synonyms of "Only" as an adverb (16 Words)

alone	Used to emphasize that only one factor out of several is being considered and that the whole is greater or more extreme. The child stayed home alone.
as little as	To the same degree (often followed by `as.
but	No more than; only. Choose from a colourful array of mango starfruit and raspberries to name but a few.
entirely	Without any others being included or involved. The traffic seemed to consist entirely of black cabs.
exclusively	To the exclusion of others; only. Exclusively female concerns.
just	Exactly at this moment or the moment described. It has just enough salt.
merely	Just; only. I was merely asking.
no more than	Used to express refusal or denial or disagreement etc or especially to emphasize a negative statement.
not more than	Used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs.
only if	With nevertheless the final result.
only just	Never except when.
only when	Never except when.
simply	In a straightforward or plain manner. Simply complete the application form.
solely	Without any others being included or involved. Did it solely for money.
uniquely	So as to be unique. A uniquely talented musician.
wholly	To a complete degree or to the full or entire extent whole is often used informally for wholly. She found herself given over wholly to sensation.

Usage Examples of "Only" as an adverb

• A final report reached him only on January 15.
• She was still only in her mid thirties.
• Only their faith sustained them.
• Call me only if your cold gets worse.
• She turned into the car park, only to find her way blocked.
• He was only a child.
• Genes that were discovered only last year.
• Deaths from heart disease have only declined by 10 per cent.
• A privilege granted only to him.
• There are only a limited number of tickets available.
• Rebellion will only bring more unhappiness.

Associations of "Only" (30 Words)

alone	Lacking companions or companionship. There were fifteen churches in the town centre alone.
but	An argument against something; an objection. Choose from a colourful array of mango starfruit and raspberries to name but a few.
despite	Lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike. The despite in which outsiders were held is legendary.
devoted	Dedicated exclusively to a purpose or use. There is a museum devoted to her work.
exclusive	(of terms) excluding all but what is specified. An exclusive restaurants and shops.
exclusively	To the exclusion of others; only. Paints produced exclusively for independent retailers.
few	A small elite group. An invalid s pleasures are few and far between.
however	To whatever degree or extent. Although I m a little afraid however I d like to try it.
idiosyncratic	Peculiar to the individual. We all have our own idiosyncratic gestures.
individual	Having a striking or unusual character; original. Mark the individual pages.
individualist	An advocate of a social theory favouring freedom of action for individuals over collective or state control. An individualistic way of dressing.
individuality	Individual characteristics. Clothes with real style and individuality.
indivisible	Unable to be divided or separated. One nation indivisible.
just	Of an opinion or appraisal well founded justifiable. A just cause.
lone	(of a place) unfrequented and remote. She is alone much of the time.
mere	Apart from anything else; without additions or modifications. The city is a mere 20 minutes from some stunning countryside.
merely	Just; only. Gary a silent boy merely nodded.
nevertheless	Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession. Statements which although literally true are nevertheless misleading.
once	As soon as. Once I ran into her.
one	Being a single entity made by combining separate components. He has the one but will need a two and three to go with it.
oneness	The fact or state of being one in number. A strong sense of oneness is felt with all things.
purely	In a pure manner. Act nobly speak purely and think charitably.
simply	In a straightforward or plain manner. It makes Trevor simply furious.
single	A single measure of spirits. Sex and the single girl.
sole	Put a new sole on to a shoe. He wanted several pairs of boots to be soled and heeled.
solely	Not involving anyone or anything else; only. He is solely responsible for any debts the company may incur.
though	However (indicating that a factor qualifies or imposes restrictions on what was said previously. I was hunting for work Jobs were scarce though.
trinity	A group of three people or things. God is said to be trinity in unity.
uniquely	So as to be unique. A uniquely talented musician.
unshared	Not shared. Most of those placed in hostels would prefer unshared independent accommodation.