Only and Single

Only

Only adjective - Being the one or ones of a class with no other members.
Usage example: we were the only passengers on the tour bus

Single is a synonym for only in sole topic. In some cases you can use "Single" instead the word "Only" as an adjective or an adverb, when it comes to topics like characteristic, property, singular, unique. popular alternative

Single

Single adjective - Existing alone or consisting of one entity or part or aspect or individual.
Usage example: a single lens

Only is a synonym for single in characteristic topic. You can use "Only" instead the word "Single" as an adjective or an adverb, if it concerns topics such as one, unique, sole, alone. popular alternative

Nearby Words: singleness, singly, singled
Cite this Source
Single and Only. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/only/single
Only & Single. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/only/single>.
Single or Only. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/only/single.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "only" and "single" have occurred on timeline