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

Bad Bunny’s style has always defied expectations. —Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026

The singer then materialized and handed the boy one of his Grammys and told him always to believe in himself. —Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026

Whether on the stage or the red carpet, the star has always approached dressing with an original and personal flair. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026

New discoveries always spur unconventional hypotheses; all must be ruled out. —Big Think, 9 Feb. 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
• 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