English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

adv Common

anyways

EHN-ee-wayz

Anyways (adv) means (informal) Anyway; in any case. Example: “I wasn't hungry anyways.”

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adv

1

(informal) Anyway; in any case.

"I wasn't hungry anyways."

How to use anyways

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA casual, spoken variant of "anyway."

When to use it

Common in informal speech, especially in North America, but considered nonstandard in formal writing — use "anyway" instead.

Easily confused with

anyway →

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

I wasn't hungry _____.

Etymology

From any + adverbial genitive of way (compare always).

Synonyms

anyway anyhow in any case in any event regardless

Related words

though anyway regardless careless anyhow anywho

Rhymes for anyways

days ways bays Mays Hays Gays stays Grays always Sundays Fridays Mondays

See all rhymes for anyways →

Frequently asked questions

What does “anyways” mean?

The word “anyways” means (informal) Anyway; in any case. In plain terms, a casual, spoken variant of "anyway.".

How do you pronounce “anyways”?

“Anyways” is pronounced EHN-ee-wayz (/ˈɛn.iˌweɪz/ in IPA).

How do you use “anyways” in a sentence?

Here is “anyways” used in a sentence: “I wasn't hungry anyways.”

What part of speech is “anyways”?

“Anyways” is an adverb.

Is “anyways” a common word?

“Anyways” is a fairly common word in modern English.

Is anyways a real word?

Yes, but it is informal. Anyways is a casual variant of anyway meaning "in any case," heard mainly in conversational speech, especially in North America. In writing, the standard form is anyway.

What is the difference between anyway and anyways?

They mean the same thing: "in any case." Anyway is the standard form accepted everywhere, while anyways is informal and can strike readers as too casual. If in doubt, choose anyway.

Should you use anyways in formal writing?

No. Anyways is marked as informal, so it is out of place in essays, business correspondence, and academic work. Anyway carries exactly the same meaning and is always the safe choice.

People also searched

though anyway regardless careless anyhow anywho

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial · etymology from Wiktionary