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.
Adams, 65, barreled forward with his reelection bid anyway, running as an independent candidate to avoid being ousted in the Democratic primary. Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 1 Jan. 2026 What's all the fuss about roasting pans, anyway? Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025 So how much does room does Hannity need anyway? Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 31 Dec. 2025 In June, Starmer cut the foreign-aid budget, and some of what remains is spent domestically anyway, on housing asylum seekers. Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 30 Dec. 2025 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 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

anyway

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

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