Synonyms for

Sole

Verb / səʊl / Another word for sole — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Sole means the bottom of a foot or shoe, or the underside of a fish.

Synonyms & similar words

filletofsole lonesome exclusive solitary lone resole only bottom underside foot shoe fish flounder plaice halibut turbot brill dover lemon sand tongue fillet steak sandal shoal solely only

Synonyms by register

Formal

only single unique exclusive

Informal

one and only the only one

Literary

lone singular

Antonyms

multiple many several numerous abundant

Common collocations

  • sole purpose
  • sole reason
  • sole proprietorship
  • sole survivor
  • sole occupant
  • sole discretion
  • sole responsibility

Word family

noun sole
adjective sole

Usage note

As an adjective, 'sole' means 'only' or 'single'. It is often used in legal and formal contexts. Be careful not to confuse it with 'soul', which refers to the spiritual or emotional part of a person.

Example sentences

  1. He had a stone in his shoe that was irritating the sole of his foot.
  2. The fishmonger had fresh sole on display.
  3. She wore a pair of sandals with a thin sole.
  4. The sole of his shoe was worn out.
  5. The fisherman caught a large sole.

Quotes

  • The sole ruler of a kingdom is the people. - Confucius
  • The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity. - Leo Tolstoy
  • The sole art that suits me is that which, rising from unrest, tends toward serenity. - Andre Gide

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