Definition of "anyway"

Raymond Carver had only moments late at night to write after grueling day jobs, tense relationships, putting kids to bed, and dealing with his own alcoholism. And he wrote anyway.

2016, JoAnneh Nagler, How to be an artist without losing your mind, your shirt, or your creative compass, page 85

But I wish there were somethin’ you would do or sayTo try and make me change my mind and stayWe never did too much talkin’ anywayDon’t think twice, it’s all right.

1962, Bob Dylan (lyrics and music), “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right”, in The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan‎, Columbia Records

"I'll be ninety my next birthday, but Louella doesn't tell her age. Anyway, we're going to have you and Cynthia up for supper."

2005, Jan Karon, These High, Green Hills

“But I say, Kid, isn't that going it a little too strong? Whisky and alcohol's bad enough; but when it comes to brandy and pepper-sauce and—” ¶ “Dump it in. Who's making this punch, anyway?”

1899, Jack London, “To the Man on the Trail”, in The Overland Monthly, page 36

The name, Barry Frank, the name of the game when it comes to money these days, in every sport, is television revenue. How do they get enough money- let me back up a minute. How did the United States get the World Cup anyway? Of all the countries in the world, you'd think we'd be the last one to get it.Accessed via COCA

1990, Nightline, Ted Koppel (actor)

“We should probably wait until Luke gets here to talk about it,” Leia suggested quietly before Han could answer. Lando glanced past Han, as if only just noticing Luke's absence. “Where is he, anyway?”

1992, Timothy Zahn, Heir to the Empire, Spectra, page 154

He that sleeps in the day-time, or is in suspense, fear, anyway troubled in mind, or goes to bed upon a full stomach, may never hope for quiet rest in the night […].

1624, Democritus Junior [pseudonym; Robert Burton], The Anatomy of Melancholy: […], 2nd edition, Oxford, Oxfordshire: Printed by John Lichfield and James Short, for Henry Cripps, partition II, section 2, member 5