alright

adverb or adjective

al·​right (ˌ)ȯl-ˈrīt How to pronounce alright (audio)
ˈȯl-ˌrīt
: all right
If people stay strong and keep pushing we'll be alright.Keith Ellison
Alright, I give in.Sallie Tisdale
Alright already, get in the squad car and solve the darn crime.Ken Tucker
It's cheap, alright.Chris Hodenfield
all right or alright?: Usage Guide

Although the spelling alright is more than a century and a half old, some critics have insisted alright is all wrong. Nevertheless, it has its defenders and its users, who perhaps have been influenced by analogy with altogether and already. Alright is less common than all right but is frequently found in informal writing and fictional dialogue.

Starting at a slower pace is perfectly alright. Alia Haley
"Alright, it is a bargain. I will help you." Harold Bell Wright

It is sometimes also used in more formal writing.

The first two years of the medical school were alright. Gertrude Stein

Examples of alright in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Matthew McConaughey was not so alright, alright, alright in one of his earliest acting roles. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 2 Oct. 2023 Ree’s film is a timely reminder that not only are the kids alright, but that digital identities and online second lives can be too. Thomas Page, CNN, 29 Jan. 2024 Just because these absences are excused doesn’t necessarily mean they should be treated as alright, said Todd Langager from the county education office who oversees a countywide effort to reduce absenteeism. Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Oct. 2023 Emma Cannon has performed alright in Smith’s place, but the team’s forward depth is thin without Smith, who can also play center. Zion Brown, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Aug. 2023 Pearly and white, spooky alright, playing with children every night. Lizz Schumer, Good Housekeeping, 18 July 2023 For the love of God, just don’t try to rob the place, alright? Matt Wake | Mwake@al.com, al, 18 July 2023 Right after Paul popped the question and Agdal accepted, everything seemed alright, until something went very wrong. Averi Kremposky, Peoplemag, 11 July 2023 That position includes making sure everyone on tour is doing alright. Spin Staff, SPIN, 4 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alright.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alright was in 1865

Dictionary Entries Near alright

Cite this Entry

“Alright.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alright. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

alright

adverb or adjective
al·​right ȯl-ˈrīt How to pronounce alright (audio)
ˈȯl-ˌrīt

More from Merriam-Webster on alright

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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