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.

Social media made it possible for people who were once isolated to find one another, share strategies and build peer-support communities.

From The Wall Street Journal

To create the catalogue, Almeida used a technique called 'metagenomics', which involves analyzing all microbial DNA in a gut sample at once and then separating it into individual species.

From Science Daily

But then once I met him, I fell in love with his little -isms.

From Los Angeles Times

History is once again unfolding at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games as Team USA members break records and score dominant triumphs.

From Los Angeles Times

The place we now know as Cerritos was once named “Dairy Valley” and was home to not quite 3,500 people and 100,000 cows.

From Los Angeles Times

once

Example Sentences

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