ways
7 synonyms for ways, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A distance, especially in the informal phrase "a ways" or "a long ways."
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
slipway
shipway
How to use ways
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a long ways
a ways off
"A ways" (with the "s") is informal and mainly used in American English; British English would more often just say "a way."
Frequently asked questions
What does “ways” mean?
The word “ways” means a distance, especially in the informal phrase "a ways" or "a long ways.". In plain terms, refers to a stretch of distance, mostly in casual American speech.
How do you pronounce “ways”?
“Ways” is pronounced wayz (/weɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “ways” in a sentence?
Here is “ways” used in a sentence: “We still have a long ways to go before we reach the coast.”
What part of speech is “ways”?
“Ways” is a noun.
Is “ways” a common word?
“Ways” is a very common word in modern English.
Is "a ways" grammatically correct?
It is correct in informal and especially American English, where "a ways" means a distance, as in "we've still got a ways to go." In formal writing many prefer "a way" or "some distance," since "ways" looks plural. In casual speech, though, "a ways" is widely used and understood.
What does "a ways" mean?
"A ways" means a distance — usually a fairly long one. "It's a ways down the road" means the place is some distance away. The phrase is informal and conversational, common in American and regional English, and always refers to how far something is rather than a method or manner.
What is the difference between "a way" and "a ways"?
When talking about distance, "a way" and "a ways" mean the same thing — "a long way off" and "a long ways off" both describe something far. "A way" is more standard; "a ways" is informal. Note that "way" also means a method or route, which "ways" in this sense does not.
