Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for once. Search instead for onci.
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.

As research continues, Mars is proving to be far more complex than once thought, with many of its secrets still waiting to be uncovered.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

Against Chisora there were fleeting reminders of the fighter who once terrified the division.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Yes, Luka Doncic is incredible and his addition to the Lakers might well get us to the promised land once again.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

While not framed as a direct response to the earlier controversy, the casting offers a quiet rebuttal to the narrative that once surrounded him.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

And all at once Clare realized that those flashes in the water were gaping mouths.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

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