a long way

noun

: a great distance
Their house is a long way (away) from here.
She went a long way to see him.
often used figuratively in various phrases
These changes will go a long way toward/towards making the system more efficient.
We've done a lot of work already, but we have a long way to go.

Examples of a long way in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This goes a long way with the boys. Marielle Mohs, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026 There's a long way to go until that ruling is made. Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 21 Jan. 2026 Since many friends and family will travel a long way for your wedding day, building out a full weekend of parties and activities can be a wonderful way to thank them for joining you in this major life moment. Shelby Wax, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2026 Last week, a key House committee passed legislation that would go a long way toward fixing the biggest problems. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for a long way

Cite this Entry

“A long way.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20long%20way. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.

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