ways

1 of 3

noun

ˈwāz 
plural in form but singular in construction
Synonyms of ways
: way sense 6
a long ways from home

ways

2 of 3

plural of way entry 1

-ways

3 of 3

adverb suffix

: in (such) a way, course, direction, or manner
sideways

Examples of ways in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
While physical presence will always be most critical to staying ahead, technological advancements are complementing the leasing process in impactful ways. — Fred Battisti, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 Hall filed for divorce from Joshua in July and has since leaned on the couple for support in unique ways. — Tracy Wright, Fox News, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English wayes, from genitive of way entry 1

Adverb suffix

Middle English, from ways, genitive of way

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Phrases Containing ways

Rhymes for ways

See All Rhymes for ways

Browse Nearby Words

wayrod
ways
-ways
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ways.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ways. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

-ways

adverb suffix
ˌwāz
: in such a way, course, direction, or manner
sideways
Etymology

Adverb suffix

derived from Middle English way "course, route"

More from Merriam-Webster on ways

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ways

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ways

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