somewhat

1 of 2

pronoun

some·​what ˈsəm-ˌ(h)wət How to pronounce somewhat (audio)
ˈsəm-ˌ(h)wät,
(ˌ)səm-ˈ(h)wət,
(ˌ)səm-ˈ(h)wät

somewhat

2 of 2

adverb

: in some degree or measure : slightly

Examples of somewhat in a Sentence

Adverb He felt somewhat awkward in his suit. Our work has progressed somewhat. The course is somewhat more difficult than I was told it would be.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adverb
Tampa Bay broke 100°F (37.7°C) for the first time in 130 years of records on Monday, notable because Florida’s humidity usually keeps thermometer temperatures somewhat lower, Scientific American noted, since heating water takes lots of energy. Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 30 July 2025 Both measures were somewhat distorted by big swings in international trade as businesses and consumers first braced for, then reacted to, President Trump's worldwide tariffs. Scott Horsley, NPR, 30 July 2025 At a time when Medicaid and Medicare popularity is at all-time high, the new tax bill was found to be somewhat unfavorable throughout the county, according to a KFF study, suggesting the federal health programs could have a rocky future as public opinion and policy decision clash. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025 At Jamie's, Millie discovers an old home video playing of two people who both look somewhat like Jamie participating in what appears to be an occult wedding ritual that involves both of them slicing open their wrists and pressing them together. Megan McCluskey, Time, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for somewhat

Word History

First Known Use

Pronoun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of somewhat was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Somewhat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/somewhat. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

somewhat

1 of 2 pronoun
some·​what ˈsəm-ˌ(h)wät How to pronounce somewhat (audio)
-ˌ(h)wət;
(ˌ)səm-ˈ(h)wät,
-ˈ(h)wət
: some unspecified part or amount : something
somewhat of what you say is true

somewhat

2 of 2 adverb
: in some measure : slightly
somewhat comfortable

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