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Synonyms

anyone

American  
[en-ee-wuhn, -wuhn] / ˈɛn iˌwʌn, -wən /

pronoun

  1. any person at all; anybody.

    Did anyone see the accident?
anyone British  
/ ˈɛnɪˌwʌn, -wən /

pronoun

  1. any person; anybody

  2. (used with a negative or a question) a person of any importance

    is he anyone in this town?

  3. (often preceded by just) any person at random; no matter who

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Spelling

Anyone as a pronoun meaning “anybody” or “any person at all” is written as one word: Does anyone have the correct time? The two-word phrase any one means “any single member of a group of persons or things” and is often followed by of: Can any one of the members type? Any one of these books is exciting reading. Anyone is somewhat more formal than anybody.

Usage

See each, they ( def. ).

Etymology

Origin of anyone

First recorded in 1350–1400, anyone is from Middle English ani on. See any, one

Compare meaning

How does anyone compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She said on Thursday that her administration won’t cover up for anyone who has committed a crime, but also questioned the evidence provided by U.S. authorities against Rocha.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

It would apply to anyone who resided in California as of Jan. 1, 2026.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

San Antonio superstar Victor Wembanyama swats away more shots than anyone in the league.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

The character has been most strongly associated with his looks, strength and personality on Albert Square, but "an illness like this can catch anyone", says Thiara.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

“He doesn’t know there’s anyone else in the room,” she said.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.