always

adverb

al·​ways ˈȯl-wēz How to pronounce always (audio)
-wəz, 
-(ˌ)wāz How to pronounce always (audio)
also ˈȯ-
Synonyms of always
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 of always

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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
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.
That figure may undercount the problem, since victims don’t always realize AI was used. — Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026 The MacBook screens have always been top-notch, meeting P3 color-gamut standards despite being IPS panels, and some have adopted additional features like True Tone ambient color adjustment. — Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026 Obviously, Grand Theft Auto VI is the biggest game release of the year, but a new COD is always a big deal. — David Pierce, The Verge, 24 Oct. 2026 Tsai, the Stanford professor, has conducted research on how emotion in American culture puts value on trying to always feel positive and minimizing negativity and sadness. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for always

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alwayes, from alwey

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of always was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing always

Rhymes for always

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Browse Nearby Words

alway
always
always-on
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Cite this Entry

“Always.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/always. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

always

adverb
al·​ways ˈȯl-wēz How to pronounce always (audio) -wəz How to pronounce always (audio)
-ˌwāz
1
: at all times : invariably
always ready for a party
2
: throughout all time : forever
I'll remember you always
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