anyhow
[adverb]
Synonyms: about, any which way, anywise, around, at random, haphazard, haphazardly, helter-skelter, random, randomly

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

I. an‧y‧how S3 /ˈenihaʊ/ adverb

1. [sentence adverb] informal anyway:
The scandal could damage her reputation but the press reported it anyhow.
I’ve never been to a circus, not recently anyhow.

2. in a careless or untidy way:
The cupboard would hardly close, with all the shoes thrown in anyhow.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

II. an‧y‧way S1 W2 /ˈeniweɪ/ (also anyhow) adverb [sentence adverb]

1. in spite of the fact that you have just mentioned:
Catherine wasn’t sure the book was the right one, but she bought it anyway.
This idea probably won’t work, but let’s try it anyway.

2. used when adding a remark which shows that the fact just mentioned is not important:
They didn’t have any trainers in my size, and anyway I’d already decided I’d rather save the money.
‘I hope you haven’t told anyone.’ ‘No. Who would believe me anyway?’

3. used when adding something that corrects or slightly changes what you have just said:
Let’s think about it for a while, for a few days anyway.
There seems to have been a technical problem – anyway, that’s what they told me.

4. spoken used when you are ignoring details so that you can talk immediately about the most important thing:
He got lost and spent hours looking for the station, and anyway it was past midnight by the time he got home.
Anyway, why didn’t you call the police?

5. spoken used when you are changing the subject of a conversation or returning to a previous subject:
Anyway, let’s leave that for the moment and look at this month’s profit figures.
Anyway, how are you?

6. spoken used when you want to end a conversation or leave a place:
Anyway, I must be going now.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

anyhow
adverb
BAD: Those students who pass are given an intermediate certificate. Anyhow, the examination is far from easy.
GOOD: Those students who pass are given an intermediate certificate. However, the examination is far from easy.
BAD: Unfortunately, the beach is not white and sandy. Anyway, it is seldom crowded and we can enjoy the sea.
GOOD: Unfortunately, the beach is not white and sandy. On the other hand, it is seldom crowded and we can enjoy the sea.
BAD: I'm sorry that I won't be able to attend your wedding. Anyway, I would like to give you something for your new home.
GOOD: I'm sorry that I won't be able to attend your wedding. Nevertheless, I would like to give you something for your new home.

Usage Note:
Anyhow and anyway are used to connect sentences only in informal styles (NOT in essays, written reports, etc). Their main uses are: (1) to show that you are about to return to the main topic or story line: 'Anyway, as soon as the plane landed he was rushed off to hospital and that was the last I saw of him.' (2) to show that your next point is just as important or relevant as your last one; 'In any case, I'm too busy to play tennis this afternoon. Anyhow, it looks like it's going to rain.' For reasons of style and logic, anyhow and anyway cannot be used in place of however, on the other hand or nevertheless.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Common Errors ▲