anyway
12 synonyms and 0 antonyms for anyway, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — Regardless of what has just been said or what happens; in any case.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From any + way.
Full origin of anyway →Frequently asked questions
What does “anyway” mean?
The word “anyway” means regardless of what has just been said or what happens; in any case. In plain terms, a word for "regardless" or for steering a conversation back on track.
How do you pronounce “anyway”?
“Anyway” is pronounced EH-nee-way (/ˈɛniweɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “anyway” in a sentence?
Here is “anyway” used in a sentence: “It might rain, but we're going hiking anyway.”
What is another word for “anyway”?
Words with a similar meaning to “anyway” include anywise, anyroad, any road up and any old way.
What part of speech is “anyway”?
“Anyway” is an adverb.
Is “anyway” a common word?
“Anyway” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “anyway” have?
“Anyway” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: regardless of what has just been said or what happens; in any case.
What is the difference between anyway and anyways?
They mean the same thing, but "anyway" is the standard, accepted form in formal writing. "Anyways" is an informal, colloquial variant, common in casual speech but often considered incorrect. In essays, emails, and professional writing, always use "anyway" without the "s."
What is the difference between anyway and any way?
Written as one word, "anyway" is an adverb meaning "regardless" or "in any case." Written as two words, "any way" means "any method or means," as in "Is there any way to help?" If you can replace it with "regardless," use one word; if you mean a method, use two.
Is anyways a real word?
"Anyways" is a real word in that people use and understand it, but it is nonstandard and informal, and dictionaries note it as colloquial. In careful or formal writing it is best avoided in favour of "anyway," which is universally accepted as correct.
How do you use anyway in a sentence?
"Anyway" often signals that something is true regardless of other factors, as in "It was raining, but we went anyway." It can also steer a conversation back on track, as in "Anyway, as I was saying…" Both uses convey the sense of "in any case" or "regardless."