Anyhow — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb /ˈe-nē-ˌhau̇/ any·how

Meaning & Definition of Anyhow

Anyhow (adverb)

  1. in any manner whatever
  2. in a haphazard manner
  3. at any rate

Anyhow (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. in spite of everything

    "even though it's raining, I'm going to the golf course anyhow"

    similar: anyway, anyways (chiefly dialect), regardless, whatever, at all events, at any rate, in any case, in any event, no matter, whether or no
    related: after all, however, nevertheless, always

  2. without definite aim, direction, rule, or method

    "clothes that were hurriedly stuffed anyhow into the suitcase"

    similar: aimlessly, anyway, anywise, desultorily, erratically, haphazard, haphazardly, helter-skelter, hit or miss, irregularly, randomly, willy-nilly, at random
    related: arbitrarily, capriciously, carelessly, casually, indiscriminately, informally, offhand, offhandedly, promiscuously, whimsically, accidentally, fortuitously, inadvertently, unconsciously, unintentionally, unwittingly, disconnectedly, disjointedly, fitfully, intermittently, spottily, unpredictably, higgledy-piggledy, topsy-turvy
    opposite: methodically, systematically
    near: carefully, formally, gingerly, meticulously, orderly, punctiliously, deliberately, intentionally, purposefully, purposely

  3. whatever else is done or is the case

    "your mother called and said you don't need to stop by, but I think you should anyhow"

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

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Anyhow

The most common words with a similar meaning to Anyhow:

Chiefly dialect: anyways
Dialect: leastways
anyway, regardless, whatever, aimlessly, anywise, desultorily, erratically, haphazard, haphazardly, helter-skelter, hit or miss, irregularly, randomly, willy-nilly, always, leastwise, at all events, at any rate, in any case, in any event, no matter, whether or no, at random, at least

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Anyhow

Words with the opposite meaning of Anyhow:

methodically, systematically

Related Words for Anyhow

after all, however, nevertheless, arbitrarily, capriciously, carelessly, casually, indiscriminately, informally, offhand, offhandedly, promiscuously, whimsically, accidentally, fortuitously, inadvertently, unconsciously, unintentionally, unwittingly, disconnectedly, disjointedly, fitfully, intermittently, spottily, unpredictably, higgledy-piggledy, topsy-turvy

Near Antonyms of Anyhow

carefully, formally, gingerly, meticulously, orderly, punctiliously, deliberately, intentionally, purposefully, purposely

Origin & Etymology of Anyhow

First known use: 1678

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Anyhow

  • Topics: Common Phrases & Expressions

Frequently Asked Questions about Anyhow

What does "Anyhow" mean?

"Anyhow" means in any manner whatever. As an adverb, it is defined as: in any manner whatever. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Anyhow"?

Other words for "Anyhow" include anyway, anyways, regardless, whatever, aimlessly, anywise, desultorily and erratically. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Anyhow" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Anyhow"?

There are 53 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Anyhow". Common alternatives include anyway, anyways, regardless, whatever, aimlessly, anywise, desultorily, erratically, haphazard and haphazardly.

What is the opposite of "Anyhow"?

Antonyms of "Anyhow" include methodically and systematically. Near antonyms include carefully, formally, gingerly and meticulously.

How do you use "Anyhow" in a sentence?

Examples of "Anyhow" in a sentence: "even though it's raining, I'm going to the golf course anyhow"; "clothes that were hurriedly stuffed anyhow into the suitcase"; "your mother called and said you don't need to stop by, but I think you should anyhow".

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

"Anyhow" is an adverb.

How do you pronounce "Anyhow"?

"Anyhow" is pronounced /ˈe-nē-ˌhau̇/ and divided into syllables as any·how.

What is the origin of the word "Anyhow"?

First known use: 1678.