always

adverb

al·​ways ˈȯl-wēz 

-wəz,

-(ˌ)wāz 

 also  ˈȯ-

1

: at all times : invariably

always smiling

2

: forever

will love you always

3

: at any rate : in any event

You can always try again if it doesn't work this time.

Synonyms

• aye
• ay
• consistently
• constantly
• continually
• ever
• forever
• incessantly
• invariably
• night and day
• perpetually
• unfailingly

Examples of always in a Sentence

He always tries, but he doesn't always succeed.

It's always a pleasure to see you.

I can always tell when he's upset.

This area is always filled with tourists.

Things won't always go as planned.

You're always welcome to stay with us.

He has always been a good friend to me.

Life won't always be this easy.

I always thought they'd get married some day, but they never did.

Isn't that what you've always wanted?

Recent Examples on the Web

And if that's not enough, there's always the possibility of exploitable vulnerabilities in your own code. —Gil Dabah, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

New York has always been a mosaic of ideas, cultures and industries, and its cannabis market is no different. —Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 22 Jan. 2025

There will always be the influencers and celebrities, dressed head-to-toe by brands, somewhat diluting the street-style impact, but this season the main takeaway was wearable, relatable clothes. —Alex Badia, WWD, 22 Jan. 2025

Fans seem to always anticipate seeing the four rappers together as its a rare sighting. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alwayes, from alwey

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing always

• always-on
• as always
• the grass is always greener on the other side (of the fence)

Kids Definition

always

adverb

al·​ways ˈȯl-wēz  -wəz 

-ˌwāz

1

: at all times : invariably

always ready for a party

2

: throughout all time : forever

I'll remember you always