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

Like Taylor, Paul is always pushing on to his new music, rather than dwelling in the past. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2026

But the internet has always required a certain amount of caution. — Matthew Kayser updated July 6, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026

From photoshoots to casual shopping days, the eye-catching shoes are almost always on her feet. — Ruby McAuliffe, InStyle, 7 July 2026

Everything is stored in your chat history, so longer projects and high-performing prompts are always within reach. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 6 July 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