only

Examples

• All

• You're the only one who can help me.

  Harmony (2022)

• If that is the only issue that he has.

  Stephan Speaks

• I mean, I was her only child, you know, and.

• But my mother was fine about losing her only daughter?

  All of Us Strangers (2023)

• And yet, magic is our only hope.

  Love Don’t Fade Away (2023)

• Of course, it might be the only book they have ever read, at least for pleasure.

  Academic text (2011)

• And so it's the only resource you really have.

• You must feel that this is the only right verdict in this case.

  Rampage (1987)

• It's the only decent watering hole in the area.

  The China Syndrome (1979)

• As the only candidate for the position, she was automatically hired.

Synonyms

S

single

vsonly

∞ 1.0

For one person or thing, not shared with others

is the general idea of existing alone in any context

O

one

vsonly

∞ 1.0

Not divided and used as a single unit

focuses on existing alone rather than numbering or identity use

N

nothing but

vsonly

∞ 1.5

Only, not anything else

is the neutral term for existing alone rather than a colloquial phrase

S

sole

vsonly

258 3.7

Only one person or thing not shared with others

is broader, meaning to exist alone rather than stress possession

L

lone

vsonly

175 2.7

By itself with no other people or things nearby

is broader, covering exclusivity as well as mere physical absence

O

one and only

vsonly

165 3.9

A single person or thing that is special and has no equal

is neutral about uniqueness, meaning simply to exist alone

S

solitary

vsonly

83 4.6

Being alone and not with other people or things

covers exclusivity and uniqueness rather than mere separation

S

singular

vsonly

48 5.6

The only one of its kind

is the general state of existing alone, not necessarily exceptional

Antonyms

V

various

∞ 1.0

Having many different kinds

M

multiple

993 3.2

Having more than one part, person, or thing

Idioms

I

if only

427 3.0

To wish the past had been different because you regret it

O

one and only

165 3.9

A single person or thing that is special and has no equal

T

the only way out

79 4.0

A single choice to escape a place or situation

O

only too

28 6.5

Very much more than expected or wanted

I

in name only

11 6.1

A title with no real power or duties

T

the only constant

5 5.7

Something that stays the same while everything else changes

W

worth only a nickel

• Archaic

6.9

It has very little value

Compounds

E

eyes-only

• Formal

2 9.3

A document that only the person who receives it may read

R

read-only memory

• Specialized

1 4.4

A small computer chip that holds information you can use but cannot change

R

read-only file

• Specialized

1 3.9

A file you can open and view but cannot change or delete

C

compact disc read-only memory

• Specialized

1 3.9

A CD for computers that holds data you cannot change

E

erasable programmable read-only memory

• Specialized

1 7.7

A chip you clear with ultraviolet light and then write new information on it

R

read-only memory chip

• Specialized

1 3.7

A small computer chip that stores data you cannot change

R

read-only storage

• Specialized

4.3

A part of a computer where information can be looked at but not changed

How Exclusive

unique

∞ 3.5

sole

258 3.7

only

∞ 1.0

lone

175 2.7

single

∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

Etymology