anyway

adverb

any·​way ˈe-nē-ˌwā How to pronounce anyway (audio)
1
: in any way whatever : anywise
2
: in any case : without regard to other considerations : anyhow
She knew it was dangerous, but she did it anyway.
3
: as an additional consideration or thought
We don't need a new car, and anyway, we can't afford one.

Examples of anyway in a Sentence

The road got worse, but they kept going anyway. I didn't expect her to say “yes,” but I asked her anyway. It makes no difference what we say. She's going to do what she wants anyway. He's far from perfect, but she loves him anyway.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rewind too early and the blue shell will hit you anyway. Kris Holt, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025 About 20,000 of those customers were actually ineligible for no-fee trash services from the city but were getting it anyway. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2025 Then just do what the team always winds up doing anyway — rely on inexpensive, lower-tier and journeyman pitchers for the season. Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025 While the Trump administration has promised to speed up visa approvals for fans looking to cheer on their teams, the lengthy review process for nations that are not in the visa waiver program might have kept fans from the 19 nations affected by the proclamation from coming to the US anyway. Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for anyway

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of anyway was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anyway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anyway. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

anyway

adverb
any·​way ˈen-ē-ˌwā How to pronounce anyway (audio)
: anyhow

More from Merriam-Webster on anyway

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!