all along

adverb

: all the time
knew the truth all along

Examples of all along in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But ultimately, Crystal can’t let Anna go because she’s been working with Max all along. — Hunter Ingram, Variety, 1 Aug. 2026 Lacroix has been the main target all along, despite the club looking at other options. — Simon Johnson, New York Times, 30 July 2026 Her older sister, Cynthia Dunbar, said the family spent nearly 50 years wondering what happened before finally learning Michelle had been the unidentified homicide victim all along. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026 That’s what the world needs more of—less individualism and more community action—and that’s what flowers have been doing all along. — Brianne Kane, Scientific American, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for all along

Word History

First Known Use

1619, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of all along was in 1619

Rhymes for all along

See All Rhymes for all along

Browse Nearby Words

Allais
all along
allamanda
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“All along.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/all%20along. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

all along

adverb
: all the time
knew the truth all along

More from Merriam-Webster on all along

Nglish: Translation of all along for Spanish Speakers

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