because of

preposition

: by reason of : on account of

Synonyms of because of

• with

Examples of because of in a Sentence

I was late for work because of the snowstorm, which made driving a nightmare.

Recent Examples on the Web

People can lose weight because of cancer, heart disease and other illnesses. — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026

Adults may stop participating in a program because of a work layoff or a new baby, then start again after months or years, then move across town and go to another program. — Jennifer D. Kobrin, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation. — Doug Feinberg, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

According to experts, river otters once occupied waterways throughout New York State but vanished from many areas because of pollution, habitat loss and unregulated trapping. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for because of

• hereinabove
• above
• foxglove
• hereof
• thereof
• whereof
• dove
• glove
• love
• shove

Kids Definition

because of

preposition

: by reason of