by all means

phrase

Synonyms of by all meansnext
: most assuredly : certainly

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of by all means was in 1611

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“By all means.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20all%20means. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on by all means

Last Updated: - Definition revised
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster