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

• aye
• ay
• consistently
• constantly
• continually
• ever
• forever
• incessantly
• invariably
• night and day
• perpetually
• unfailingly

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 boys club that comprises this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class also contains a female solo musician who has always been a striking presence: Cyndi Lauper. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025

These tests are expensive, invasive and not always easy to access. —Allen Chang, ABC News, 29 Apr. 2025

Japanese tea ceremonies didn’t always look this way. —Nathan Pugh, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025

Susan, as her mother renamed my nonna in America, was known as deeply empathetic, always willing to help her neighbors. —Suzanne Cope, People.com, 28 Apr. 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