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 of always

• 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

In what will always be a team sport, there is now a sharper focus than ever on individuals. — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Because of Germany’s Nazi past, far-right movements have always come under strong scrutiny. — ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026

Over nearly two centuries in trade, the company has dealt in germinal francs, Poincaré francs, de Gaulle francs, and euros, always remaining family-owned. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

That might have sounded like blasphemy just half a decade ago, but college football is always evolving, and Swinney is a man stuck in time. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2026

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
• atpase
• ballets

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