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Definitions

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.

In other words, we should probably prepare, once again, for one of the hottest summers of our lives, with a torrent of unpredictable storms and disasters to follow.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

He was once phenomenal but he's now a stepping stone for younger fighters and a shell of the fighter he once was.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

“We plugged in, started playing,” Mr. Ross once told me.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

“This is my 25th Final Four. Not once has any of my players said, ‘Hey, Coach, can I go lift weights?’

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Maggie didn’t think she had ever visited it before, but it poked at her heart, as if it were a place she had once called home.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.