due to

preposition

Synonyms of due tonext
: as a result of : because of
due to the complaints of uptight parents … he lost his job …Herbert Gold
Using Due to: Usage Guide

The objection to due to as a preposition is only a continuation of disagreements that began in the 18th century over the proper uses of owing and due. Due to is as grammatically sound as owing to, which is frequently recommended in its place. It has been and is used by reputable writers and has been recognized as standard for decades. There is no solid reason to avoid due to.

Examples of due to in a Sentence

evening classes were cancelled due to heavy snow
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.
Compensation would be due to take them away from their current roles. Ian Irving, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026 That deal, which required Iran to limit its nuclear program by, among other things, cutting enrichment levels and reducing centrifuges, took effect in 2016 and was due to expire 10 years after it was adopted. Michael Collins, USA Today, 28 Feb. 2026 Trump has been mulling the attacks for days, amid ongoing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program that had been due to continue next week. Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 28 Feb. 2026 Nebraska and Kansas followed, largely due to affordable housing and reliable road safety. Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for due to

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of due to was in 1897

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Due to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/due%20to. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

due to

preposition
: because of

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