Always — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb /ˈȯl-wēz/ al·ways

Meaning & Definition of Always

Always (adverb)

  1. at all times, invariably
  2. forever
  3. at any rate, in any event

Always (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. on every relevant occasion

    "although we never intend more than an afternoon visit, she always insists we stay for dinner"

    similar: aye, consistently, constantly, continually, ever, forever, incessantly, invariably, night and day, perpetually, unfailingly, at every turn
    related: commonly, frequently, oft, often, oftentimes, recurrently, repeatedly, continuously, steadily, uninterruptedly, unremittingly, dependably, generally, habitually, normally, ordinarily, regularly, routinely, typically, usually, inevitably, eternally, everlastingly
    opposite: ne'er, never
    near: intermittently, occasionally, periodically, sometimes, sporadically, infrequently, rarely, seldom, unusually, variously

  2. whatever else is done or is the case

    "you can always take a cab if the buses aren't running"

    similar: anyhow, anyway, leastways (dialect), leastwise, at all events, at any rate, at least, in any case, in any event

  3. for all time

    "I will love you always"

    similar: aye, e'er, eternally, ever, everlastingly, evermore, forever, forevermore, indelibly, permanently, perpetually, for good, for keeps
    related: enduringly, long, perennially
    opposite: ne'er, never, nevermore
    near: once

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Always

The most common words with a similar meaning to Always:

Dialect: leastways
aye, consistently, constantly, continually, ever, forever, incessantly, invariably, night and day, perpetually, unfailingly, anyhow, anyway, leastwise, e'er, eternally, everlastingly, evermore, forevermore, indelibly, permanently, at every turn, at all events, at any rate, at least, in any case, in any event, for good, for keeps

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Always

Words with the opposite meaning of Always:

ne'er, never, nevermore

Related Words for Always

commonly, frequently, oft, often, oftentimes, recurrently, repeatedly, continuously, steadily, uninterruptedly, unremittingly, dependably, generally, habitually, normally, ordinarily, regularly, routinely, typically, usually, inevitably, enduringly, long, perennially

Near Antonyms of Always

intermittently, occasionally, periodically, sometimes, sporadically, infrequently, rarely, seldom, unusually, variously, once

Origin & Etymology of Always

Middle English alwayes, from alwey

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Always

Words & Phrases Containing Always

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Always

What does "Always" mean?

"Always" means at all times, invariably. As an adverb, it is defined as: at all times, invariably. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Always"?

Other words for "Always" include aye, consistently, constantly, continually, ever, forever, incessantly and invariably. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Always" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Always"?

There are 54 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Always". Common alternatives include aye, consistently, constantly, continually, ever, forever, incessantly, invariably, night and day and perpetually.

What is the opposite of "Always"?

Antonyms of "Always" include ne'er, never and nevermore. Near antonyms include intermittently, occasionally, periodically and sometimes.

How do you use "Always" in a sentence?

Examples of "Always" in a sentence: "although we never intend more than an afternoon visit, she always insists we stay for dinner"; "you can always take a cab if the buses aren't running"; "I will love you always".

Is "Always" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Always" is an adverb.

Is "Always" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Always" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Always"?

"Always" is pronounced /ˈȯl-wēz/ and divided into syllables as al·ways.