anything

[en-ee-thing]

pronoun

1. any thing whatever; something, no matter what.

   Do you have anything for a toothache?

noun

1. a thing of any kind.

adverb

1. in any degree; to any extent; in any way; at all.

   Does it taste anything like chocolate?

anything

/ ˈɛnɪˌθɪŋ /

pronoun

1. any object, event, action, etc, whatever

   anything might happen

noun

1. a thing of any kind

   have you anything to declare?

adverb

1. in any way

   he wasn't anything like his father

2. by no means; not in the least

   she was anything but happy

3. (intensifier; usually euphemistic)

   he ran like anything

Word History and Origins

Origin of anything¹

before 900; Middle English ani thing, eni thing, Old English ǣnig thing. See any, thing ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. anything goes, any type of conduct, dress, speech, etc., is considered acceptable or valid or is likely to be encountered and tolerated.

   That resort is a place where anything goes!

2. anything but, in no degree or respect; not in the least.

   The plans were anything but definite.

More idioms and phrases containing anything

• can't do anything with
• if anything
• like anything
• not anything like

Example Sentences

"We explained to the police about Cole's mental health. Although Cole had not been diagnosed with depression or anything like that, he did struggle," said Wendy.

Read more on BBC

Mr. Kennedy told GOP Senators before he was confirmed that he wouldn’t do anything to hurt American farmers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

With a limited earnings calendar and stale economic data this short Thanksgiving week, not to mention thin liquidity, vibes might matter more than anything for the short term.

Read more on Barron's

With a limited earnings calendar and stale economic data this short Thanksgiving week, not to mention thin liquidity, vibes might matter more than anything for the short term.

Read more on Barron's

First, let’s kill the idea that you “missed” anything.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• all 
• everything