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 Caleb’s reputation Until now, Caleb has enjoyed a reputation as a hard-luck farmboy who was led on by Kenzie and never got a fair shake in the villa. — Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026 Rodriguez never leaves home without his little tin of Jacobsen sea salt, because why sit through an underseasoned meal that could otherwise be delicious? — Maggie Hennessy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026 Despite appearing in King Richard, Frodin has never met Serena and Venus and hopes to cross paths with the sisters at the tournament. — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 These are scents that feel warm and bright—never too serious. — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 1 Sep. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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