never

adverb

nev·​er ˈne-vər How to pronounce never (audio)
1
: not ever : at no time
I never met her
2
: not in any degree : not under any condition
never the wiser for his experience

Examples of never in a Sentence

I will never shop at that store again. I have never seen that happen before. That man has never heard of you. We will never forget what we saw. You never know what you'll find at a flea market. I never meant to hurt you. She never really said that. There is never enough time to finish our work. Never in my whole life have I been so offended! I gave him my business for years and never for one moment did I suspect that he was a criminal.
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.
Scallops are the dainty little detail that never goes out of style, and in fact, reinforces a decor piece’s nostalgic vibe. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025 Murders on public transit like that of Iryna Zarutska should never be allowed to happen again. Adeola Adeosun robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025 One of the most remote parts of the world where the sun never sets can now be experienced in luxury. Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025 As a result, an entire generation of South African supporters has never witnessed their team earn a place on merit. Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for never

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English nǣfre, from ne not + ǣfre ever — more at no

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of never was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Never.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/never. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

never

adverb
nev·​er ˈnev-ər How to pronounce never (audio)
1
: not ever : at no time
I never saw it before
never had a sick day in my life
2
: not to any extent or in any way
never fear

More from Merriam-Webster on never

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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