Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Once” — 4 Other Ways to Say It
A single time before; it happened one time in the past.
Meaning of Once
One time in the past; formerly.
4 Synonyms for Once — Words Similar to Once
Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.
formerly
/ˈfɔːrmərli/Before now; previously; at a time before the present.
Example: He is now a teacher, but formerly worked as an engineer.
Smart Synonyms for Once — When to Use Each
formerly
emphasizes long ago in history
previously
refers to immediately before now
How to Use Once and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- I have been there once before. A1
- Once you finish, you can go home. A2
- They once lived in Paris. A2
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Once
What is another word for "once"?
Common synonyms for "once" include: one time, formerly, previously, in the past.
What can I say instead of "once"?
Try one of these alternatives: one time, formerly, previously, in the past. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "once" formal or informal?
"once" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "once" instead of "one time"?
Use "once" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "one time" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.