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 But, then again, shying away from their convictions has never been what the Chicks — Maines, Martie Maguire, and Emily Strayer — are about anyway. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2026 And the common cold and the flu are viral infections, so they can't be treated by prescription antibiotics anyway. — Andee Tagle, NPR, 15 Oct. 2026 Then criminals allegedly obtain a massive collection of data anyway. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026 The smartest move today may be letting the disruption show you which part of the plan was ready for an update anyway. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 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
  • The researchers will then randomly choose around 1/3 of people who submitted a lone star tick, another 1/3 of people who submitted a black legged tick and 1/3 of people who submitted a positive alpha-gal tick to the laboratory.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Half will be randomly assigned to take Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, according to a press release issued yesterday.
    — Elaine Chen, STAT, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of randomly
Adverb
  • Surfing To Cannes MIPCOM always needs a bit of glitz and glamor and this year that largely came in the form of those beloved red shorts and swimsuits.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Our industry-leading investment in artist development has always guided that work and will continue to do so.
    — Jem Aswad, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of always
Adverb
  • Vatican watchers say the 71-year-old’s diagnosis could regardless have other unintended effects, not all of them negative.
    — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Rachel is expected to quickly weaken and lose its tropical characteristics soon afterward regardless, bringing flooding rains inland through Sunday and Monday.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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