always

adverb

al·​ways ˈȯl-wēz 

-wəz,

-(ˌ)wāz 

 also  ˈȯ-

1

: at all times : invariably

always smiling

2

: forever

will love you always

3

: at any rate : in any event

You can always try again if it doesn't work this time.

Synonyms

• constantly
• continually
• invariably
• consistently
• usually
• often

Examples of always in a Sentence

He always tries, but he doesn't always succeed.

It's always a pleasure to see you.

I can always tell when he's upset.

This area is always filled with tourists.

Things won't always go as planned.

You're always welcome to stay with us.

He has always been a good friend to me.

Life won't always be this easy.

I always thought they'd get married some day, but they never did.

Isn't that what you've always wanted?

Recent Examples on the Web

The KidSuper designer seems to always be taking on a new thing—a collaboration, writing a play—yet this might be his greatest yet. —José Criales-Unzueta, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2025

Faulí has always been in awe of Gaudí. —D. T. Max, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025

Occasionally a curious polar bear meandered near camp, which was always changing as the ice floe buckled and drifted across the Arctic Ocean. —Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025

The brain switches to fight-or-flight and survival mode, and the person is always waiting for something terrible to happen. —Arash Javanbakht, The Conversation, 15 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alwayes, from alwey

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing always

• always-on
• as always
• the grass is always greener on the other side (of the fence)

Rhymes for always

• ablaze
• airways
• allays
• amaze
• anglaise
• appraise
• archways
• arrays
• ashtrays
• assays
• ballets
• berets

Kids Definition

always

adverb

al·​ways ˈȯl-wēz  -wəz 

-ˌwāz

1

: at all times : invariably

always ready for a party

2

: throughout all time : forever

I'll remember you always