anyway

adverb

any·​way ˈe-nē-ˌwā How to pronounce anyway (audio)
Synonyms of anywaynext
1
: in any way whatever : anywise
2
: in any case : without regard to other considerations : anyhow
She knew it was dangerous, but she did it anyway.
3
: as an additional consideration or thought
We don't need a new car, and anyway, we can't afford one.

Examples of anyway in a Sentence

The road got worse, but they kept going anyway. I didn't expect her to say “yes,” but I asked her anyway. It makes no difference what we say. She's going to do what she wants anyway. He's far from perfect, but she loves him anyway.
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.
In January, Mateta was public enemy No 1 at Crystal Palace (or on the unpopular side anyway) after trying without success to force through a move to AC Milan. Phil Hay, New York Times, 28 May 2026 Yet 85 percent of those cases are ultimately dismissed or sent back to juvenile court anyway, often only after the children spend months in adult facilities without school, services, or meaningful family contact. Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 27 May 2026 No more chasing ghosts who never had the budget anyway. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 Iran’s oil isn’t about to go boom (on its own, anyway). David Goldman, CNN Money, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for anyway

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of anyway was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Anyway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anyway. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

anyway

adverb
any·​way ˈen-ē-ˌwā How to pronounce anyway (audio)
: anyhow

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