Only synonym,synonyms of only

Similarity: Both "only" and "sole" convey the meaning of being the single one or the exclusive one. For example, "He is the only/sole heir to the fortune" indicates that there is no one else but him who inherits the fortune.
Usage difference: "Sole" is often used to emphasize the singularity or exclusivity in a more definitive and perhaps more formal way. It is commonly used to describe a single person, thing, or factor that has no others like it or no others involved. "Only" is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts, including modifying verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. For instance, you can say "I only saw him yesterday", where "only" modifies the verb "saw", but you wouldn't say "I sole saw him yesterday". "Sole" is more often used as an adjective directly before a noun to emphasize its uniqueness.

Similarity: In some contexts, "single" can have a similar meaning to "only". For example, "There is only/single one way to solve this problem" implies that there is just one option.
Usage difference: "Single" often emphasizes the individuality or separateness of something or someone. It is frequently used when referring to a solitary item or person in a set or group, highlighting its distinctiveness. "Only" is more about indicating a lack of addition or exclusion of others. "Single" is commonly used in phrases like "single person", "single instance", etc., to focus on the individual unit. "Only" can be used to express a limit or a restriction in a broader sense, such as "only a few people attended the meeting", which is more about the quantity being limited rather than emphasizing the individuality of each person.

Similarity: "Exclusive" and "only" share the idea of something being limited to a particular person, group, or thing. For example, "This is an exclusive/only offer for our VIP customers" means the offer is limited to a specific group.
Usage difference: "Exclusive" often implies a sense of being restricted or reserved for a particular set or having a high level of selectivity. It is used in contexts where there is a sense of privilege or special access. "Only" is more about simply stating that there are no others or nothing more. "Exclusive" is commonly used in marketing, business, and social contexts to denote something that is unique or limited to a certain circle. "Only" is more general and can be used in various situations to indicate a lack of alternatives or additional elements.

Similarity: "Mere" and "only" can both be used to downplay or emphasize the simplicity or smallness of something. For example, "It was only/mere a scratch" suggests that the damage was not significant.
Usage difference: "Mere" is often used to emphasize the insignificance or simplicity of something in a more qualitative way. It implies that something is nothing more than what is described, often with a sense of it being unimpressive or of little value. "Only" can be used in a similar way, but it also has the function of indicating a quantity or a limit. "Only" can be used with numbers and amounts more frequently, like "only five minutes left", while "mere" is less likely to be used in such numerical contexts and is more about the quality or nature of something being basic or unremarkable.

Similarity: "Just" and "only" have similar meanings in many contexts. For example, "I just/only wanted to help" indicates that the intention was nothing more than to help.
Usage difference: "Just" has a broader range of meanings and can imply something happening at a particular time (e.g., "just now") or having a sense of fairness or justice. When used as a synonym for "only", "just" often gives a sense of simplicity or straightforwardness. It can also be used in more casual or conversational contexts to soften the statement. "Only" is more neutral in its indication of limitation. "Just" is often used in phrases like "just a thought" or "just kidding", where it adds a sense of informality or lightness, while "only" might not carry the same tone in these expressions.