way - thesaurus entry

phrases

• all the way

  1. 1

     if you do something all the way, you put all your effort into doing it

     *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

     Words used to describe effort: concerted, painstaking, all-out, last-ditch, as if your life depends on it, flat out, full bore, by the sweat of your brow, hard... more
  2. 2

     if you say that you go or travel all the way somewhere, you emphasize that it is a long way

     *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

     Relating to or describing distance: long, little, away, out, from, far, long-distance, further, apart, all the way... more

• be on the/its way

  to be about to arrive or happen

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  Soon and as soon as possible: soon, shortly, just, imminent, in no time (at all), at the earliest/first opportunity, close, any day/moment etc. now, in the short run/term, around the corner... more

• by a long way

  by a large amount

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  Words used to describe large amounts and quantities: substantial, considerable, extensive, enormous, huge, great, large, high, big, widely... more

• by the way

  used for introducing a new or extra fact or comment into a conversation

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  Ways of adding extra information: namely, incidentally, furthermore, anyhow, anyway, not to mention, even so, the fact that, in any case, by the way... more

• by way of something

  1. 1

     intended to be a particular thing, or to have a particular purpose

     *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

     For a particular purpose: designated, oriented, dedicated, destined, functional, for the sake of something, for someone’s consumption, by way of something, in order that, specialized... more
  2. 2

     if you travel somewhere by way of a place, you go through that place on your trip

     *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

     Words used to describe journeys: bumpy, circuitous, door-to-door, nonstop, outward, overland, overseas, return, round-the-world, transatlantic... more

• come someone’s way

  if something comes your way, it happens to you, or it becomes available

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  General words meaning to happen: happen, come about, occur, go on, arrive, pass, unfold, transpire, take place, come to pass... more

• get in the way of something

  to prevent something from happening

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  To prevent something from happening: prevent, stop, avert, avoid, squash, prohibit, discourage, obstruct, knock something on the head, get in the way of something... more

• get something out of the way

  to finish doing something, especially something difficult or unpleasant

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  To finish something: finish with, complete, end, conclude, carry through, get through, clear, call it a day/night, come to, wrap up... more

• give way

  1. 1

     if something gives way, it breaks or falls down because there is too much weight or pressure on it

     *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

     To collapse or fall down: collapse, fall down, subside, cave in, fall in, topple, come down, tumble, give way... more
  2. 2

     to agree to something that someone else wants instead of what you want

     *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

     To decide or agree to do something: agree, undertake, accept, consent, go along with, yield, accede, sign up, say yes, commit yourself... more
  3. 3

     mainly British to allow another vehicle to go before you when you are driving. The usual American word is yield

     *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

     To drive, or to operate a vehicle: back up, block in, box in, buckle up, bus, bypass, car-pool, carry, carve up, change down... more
  4. 4

     to be replaced by something, especially something newer or better

     *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

     To replace, or to be replaced: replace, change, renew, supersede, swap, substitute, give way, make way (for), relieve, succeed... more

• go a (long) way/ways toward something

  to make progress in achieving something

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  To make progress, or to achieve something: progress, get on with, get ahead, forge ahead, plod along, outpace, get along, advance, break through, reach... more

• go out of your way to do something

  to make an extra effort to do something even though it is not convenient or easy to do

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  To try hard to do or get something: try, work, strive, attempt, try for, struggle, go after, strain, push for, press for... more

• have a way of doing something

  to have a special habit, especially an annoying one

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  Habits and habitual behaviour: habit, routine, custom, tendency, daily life, way of life, ritual, take to, common practice, as is someone’s wont... more

• have a way with

  to be able to deal with someone or something well

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  To do something well or better than someone else: excel, distinguish yourself, smash a record, shine, trump, cap, make history, upstage, perform, nail... more

• in a big way

  informal
  if someone does something in a big way, they do it a lot, or they think it is important

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  With energy and enthusiasm: enthusiastically, madly, furious, with (all/both) guns blazing, with all your might, energetically, a big smile/kiss/hug etc., to your heart’s content, ...up a storm... more

• in no/not in any way, shape, or form

  used for emphasizing that something is not true or possible

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  Ways of emphasizing that something is not true or likely: hardly, scarcely, actually, anything but, neither...nor (...nor), no such thing, not think for a minute/moment (that), in no/not in any way, shape, or form, far from it, nothing could be farther from the truth... more

• in the way of

  if there is not much in the way of something, there is not much of that particular thing

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  Words used to describe small amounts and quantities: little, few, slight, scant, minimum, mere, sparse, barely, only... more

• know your way around (something)

  to be very familiar with a particular place or activity

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  To know something or someone: know, realize, have heard of, have on, know of, recognize, possess, be alive to something, sense, know full/perfectly well... more

• no two ways about it

  spoken
  used for emphasizing that you really mean what you are saying

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  Ways of emphasizing that something is true or exact: actually, certainly, clearly, simply, literally, evidently, honestly, surely, essentially, precisely... more

• no way

  spoken
  1. 1

     used for saying that you will definitely not do something or that something will definitely not happen

     *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

     Ways of saying no: no, certainly not, by no means, of course not, not really, on no account/not on any account, hardly, no way, no dice, not... more
  2. 2

     used for expressing surprise, or for telling someone that you do not believe them

     *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

     Ways of saying that you are surprised or shocked: funnily enough, you don’t say, actually, heavens above, Well, I never, is that a fact?, you would not believe, of all things/people/places, now I’ve seen everything/it all, who would have thought...?... more

• that’s/it’s always the way

  used for saying that something always happens in a way that is annoying

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  Typical, traditional and usual: typical, traditional, usual, classic, characteristic, archetypal, prototypical, customary, essential... more

• to my way of thinking

  used when giving your opinion about something

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  Ways of giving your opinion: perhaps, frankly, personally, as/so far as I’m concerned, to my way of thinking, to my way of thinking, if you want my advice/opinion, if you ask me, to my mind, in my humble opinion... more

• a way(s) off

  1. 1

     a long time in the future

     *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

     At an unspecified time in the future: later, someday, sooner or later, in the long run/term, to come, one day, when the time comes, tomorrow, far-off... more
  2. 2

     a long distance away

     *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

     Not near and difficult to reach: distant, far, apart, remote, lonely, isolated, inaccessible, outlying, away, outermost... more

• way to go

  spoken
  used for telling someone that they have done something well, or that you are proud of their achievement

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  Ways of praising someone or something: (nuff) props to someone, well done, good boy/girl, bravo, compliments to someone, that’s the way, good thinking, you’re a genius, boy, let’s hear it for... more

• one way or another

  used for saying that something will definitely happen, even though you do not know how it will happen

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  Certain or likely to happen: certain, likely, probable, probably, guaranteed, sure, good, possibly, expected, bound... more

• that’s the way

  spoken
  used for encouraging someone when they are doing something well

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  Ways of praising someone or something: (nuff) props to someone, well done, good boy/girl, bravo, compliments to someone, that’s the way, good thinking, you’re a genius, boy, let’s hear it for... more

• way out/around

  a method of solving a problem, or of avoiding a difficult situation

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  Ways of solving problems: solution, compromise, remedy, cure, resolution, way out, answer, heuristics, fix, process of elimination... more

• the way to go

  the best method for doing a particular thing

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  Systems and methods for doing things: method, system, way, means, basis, mode, procedure, tactic, manner, technique... more

• ways and means

  methods that you use to achieve a particular aim

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  Systems and methods for doing things: method, system, way, means, basis, mode, procedure, tactic, manner, technique... more

• either way

  used for saying there are two possibilities that can happen, and in both cases the result will be the same

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  As a result of something and describing effects and results: therefore, consequently, accordingly, from, thus, hence, as a consequence/in consequence, by virtue of something, ensuing, knock-on... more

• have it both ways

  to want to have the benefit from two possibilities when you can only choose one

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  To have, or to take advantage of, an opportunity: benefit, get, gain, exploit, jump at, grasp, take advantage of something, make capital out of something, seize an opportunity/chance, leap at the chance/opportunity/offer... more

• be on your way

  to have started your trip to a particular place

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  Booking on and travelling by transport: aboard, afloat, aisle seat, arr., board, book on, bookable, booking, booking office, bus... more

• on/along the way

  while going somewhere

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  To travel in a vehicle: go, ride, commute, come up, go down, hitch, shuttle, hitchhike, cover, cruise... more

• on the/your way

  close to the road or path that you are using, and therefore convenient to visit

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  Next to, near to and not far away: next to, near, close, beside, nearby, nearby, next door, united, alongside, attached... more

• out of your way

  not close to the road or path that you are using

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  Not near and difficult to reach: distant, far, apart, remote, lonely, isolated, inaccessible, outlying, away, outermost... more

• the right/wrong/other way (around/up)

  the position in which an object is placed or held, especially in relation to the correct position

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  Upside down and inverted: upside down, the right/wrong/other way (around/up), back to front, inside out, upturned, topsy-turvy, face down, face downward, backward... more

• a way into publishing/medicine/journalism etc.

  a situation or advantage that will allow you to get a particular job

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  Opportunities: opportunity, chance, choice, possibilities, the initiative, break, scope, access, opening, window of opportunity... more

• be/get/keep out of the/someone’s way

  to be or stay away from the area where someone is so that you do not annoy them or make it difficult for them to do something

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  To avoid doing something, or to avoid something: avoid, get out of, duck out of, abstain, shirk, evade, skip, wriggle out of (doing) something, flinch from (doing) something, stay out of... more

• down/up/over etc. someone’s way

  in the area where someone lives, works, etc.

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  To live, stay or work in a particular place: live, arrive, settle down, come from, inhabit, settle, reside, board, squat, populate... more

• be in a bad way

  to be very sick, hurt, or upset

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  To feel or be ill: complain of, linger on, be a shadow/ghost of your former self, go/run to seed, feel awful, feel rotten, see stars, fight for your life, not feel yourself... more

• the way things are

  a situation or condition that someone or something is in at a particular time

  *American English synonyms or related words for this sense of way*

  General words for situations and circumstances: situation, circumstance, conditions, background, position, climate, state of affairs, context, environment, event... more