nothing more than

nothing more than — idiom

1. only; no more important or complicated than the thing mentioned

1.idiomB2
Definition

only; no more important or complicated than the thing mentioned

Example

The delay was nothing more than a minor scheduling problem.

was nothing more than + noun phrase

The rumor turned out to be nothing more than a misunderstanding.

nothing more than a misunderstanding

Common collocations
  • nothing more than a mistake
  • nothing more than a rumor
  • nothing more than a guess
  • nothing more than a formality
  • nothing more than a starting point
Synonyms
  • only

    neutral and direct

  • merely

    slightly formal; often used to make something seem small or unimportant

  • just

    common in speech and informal writing

Antonyms
  • more than

    used when something has greater importance, value, or meaning

Grammar Patterns

be nothing more than something

nothing more than a/an + noun

nothing more than + noun phrase

Usage Note

Use this phrase to reduce the importance of something or to say that it is only the thing named.

Common Mistakes

Do not use 'nothing more than' before a full clause. Say 'It was nothing more than a mistake,' not 'It was nothing more than he forgot.'

In this phrase, 'nothing' normally stays singular: 'It is nothing more than a guess.'

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: idiom/1

'Nothing more than' often makes the thing named sound limited or less important than someone might think. 'Only' is more neutral. 'Merely' is slightly formal and can also reduce importance. 'Just' is common and conversational.

nothing more than ↗only ↗merely ↗just ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Verbs

Phrases

  • nothing more than a mistake
  • nothing more than a rumor
  • nothing more than a guess
  • nothing more than a formality
  • nothing more than a starting point