anyway

adverb

ˈe-nē-ˌwā How to pronounce anyway (audio)
Definition of anywaynext
1
as in whatever
in spite of everything I know I really can't afford it, but I'm buying that new car anyway

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in randomly
without definite aim, direction, rule, or method do it anyway you feel like

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in always
whatever else is done or is the case pack an extra sweater anyway, as you never know when you might end up needing it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of anyway The United States will soon have a new service academy — or something like it, anyway. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Nobody should mistake this for a forecast, and the voters themselves would be the first to tell you as well (except for one, anyway). — Clayton Davis, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026 The Swatch Group’s trademark lawsuit against Samsung in London has been resolved—for now, anyway. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 27 Aug. 2026 Op-eds by public figures are rarely authorial master classes anyway. — Will Oremus, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anyway
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anyway
  1. whatever
  2. randomly
  3. always
  4. regardless
  5. anyways
Adverb
  • Wants to be sure her friends notice her new whatever-she's-wearing.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 May 2021
  • And so the Administration of Harvard, by its own admission, has taken no action whatever.
    — William F. Buckley Jr., National Review, 23 Oct. 2017
Definition of whatever
Adverb
  • In another, they were instructed to answer the questions randomly.
    — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The bowls moved around the water and randomly collided with one another.
    — Jesse Kirshbaum, SPIN, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of randomly
Adverb
  • Top Gear has not been on air since 2022, but a return was always likely, given the BBC Studios franchise is too big to leave in the garage.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Winter Park High School athletic director Charlie Battaglini said the city of Winter Park, with a proud link to its schools, has always played a big role in the Wildcats’ record-setting stack of state all-sports championships.
    — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of always
Adverb
  • Adebo could see some action against three-receiver sets regardless, depending on what Harbaugh settles with at the slot corner spot.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • McDavid and Draisaitl will earn their points regardless, but that approach could also stand to benefit those lower in the lineup looking for bounce-back seasons, like Trent Frederic.
    — Janson Duench, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of regardless
Adverb
  • Traditional onstage glamour has been in desperate need of a cultural resurrection anyways.
    — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • His proposal was rejected but Freeman patented his prototype anyways, with the hope that the concept would be revisited in the future.
    — Shirl Leigh May 22, New Atlas, 22 May 2026
Definition of anyways

Browse Nearby Words

anything
anyway
anyways
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anyway.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anyway. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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