Phrase guide

by any means

prep_phrase · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

Using whatever method or strategy is required; by all possible means.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • by any means necessary

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: at all costs, no matter what, whatever it takes

Antonyms: none provided

2

prep_phrase

Meaning 2

In any manner whatsoever; at all.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • I do not by any means blame the employees for the collapse of the company.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

adverb

Meaning 3

in any way necessary

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • I'll pass this course by hook or by crook

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: by hook or by crook

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

9 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Czech: zuby nehty — using whatever method or strategy is required
  • Finnish: keinoja kaihtamatta — using whatever method or strategy is required
  • French: de toute façon — using whatever method or strategy is required
  • French: de toute manière — using whatever method or strategy is required
  • Italian: senza esclusione di colpi — using whatever method or strategy is required
  • Italian: in tutte le maniere — using whatever method or strategy is required
  • Italian: in qualunque modo — using whatever method or strategy is required
  • Khiamniungan Naga: tèikǜlīkō — using whatever method or strategy is required
  • Spanish: por todos los medios — using whatever method or strategy is required