never

adverb

ˈne-vər How to pronounce never (audio)
Definition of nevernext
1
as in not
at no time I have never been out of the country

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in no
not in any degree, way, or under any condition even though my proposal was turned down, I will never be convinced that my idea isn't a good one

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 never Marianne Faithfull was among those to later cover it, but the song, much to Parton’s disappointment, never took off. — Stephen L. Betts, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026 Tampa Bay had lost seven of its last 10, but never trailed against the Tigers, who have lost six straight and nine of 10 to fall way behind in the race for the final AL wild card. — Dave Hogg, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026 Matches can reveal infections that doctors either could not culture in a laboratory or never thought to look for. — Jason Liebowitz, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026 Queens of the Stone Age have never been particularly interested in perfection. — Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for never
Recent Examples of Synonyms for never
  1. no
  2. none
Adverb
  • By North Carolina’s historical standards, the answer should be no, but the bar has been lowered so much that a trip to a bottom-tier bowl feels like a victory.
    — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Cole rummaged through an archival box and pulled out a notebook that was no bigger than a business card.
    — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of no
Adverb
  • Among the historic attractions dotting Route 66, there may be none more hapless and ill fated as the Aztec Hotel in Monrovia.
    — Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • Several artists will compete across genre categories, and there may be none more varied than Turnstile.
    — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 30 Jan. 2026
Definition of none

Phrases Containing never

Browse Nearby Words

neutron stars
never
never mind
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Cite this Entry

“Never.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/never. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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