anyway
EH-nee-way
Anyway (adv) means Regardless of what has just been said or what happens; in any case. Example: “I was tired, but I went to the gym anyway.”
adv
1
Regardless of what has just been said or what happens; in any case.
"I was tired, but I went to the gym anyway."
"It might rain, but we're going hiking anyway."
"Anyway, let's get back to the main topic."
2
Used to change the subject or return to an earlier point after a digression.
"That's enough about the weather. Anyway, did you finish the report?"
"Anyway, as I was saying before the phone rang, we need more chairs."
"Anyway, how was your weekend?"
How to use anyway
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA word for "regardless" or for steering a conversation back on track.
Common mistake
"Anyway" is standard English; "anyways" is informal and considered nonstandard in careful writing.
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Etymology
Formed from any and way.
Synonyms
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anyhow
regardless
in any case
nonetheless
nevertheless
all the same
at any rate
either way
anywise
anyroad
any road up
any old way
Related words
Rhymes for anyway
See all rhymes for 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."
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