therefore

adverb

there·​fore ˈt͟her-ˌfȯr How to pronounce therefore (audio)
Synonyms of therefore
: for that reason : because of that : consequently
Payment was received two weeks after it was due; therefore, you will be charged a late fee.
The cell phone is thin and light and therefore very convenient to carry around.

Synonyms of therefore

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Examples of therefore in a Sentence

To understand what has happened to the earth's atmosphere—and, therefore, how our climate might change in the future—some ice-core scientists in the Arctic are training their eyes directly downward. —Bryan Walsh, Time, 18 Aug. 2008
Most Irish jump racing—and therefore most of the racing discussed in the book—is the laid-back pastime of enthusiasts … —Max Watman, New York Times Book Review, 9 Apr. 2006
A good approach to finding out what makes us humans so darn special would therefore be to get complete maps of the human and chimp genomes, and compare the two. —John Derbyshire, National Review, 7 Nov. 2005
Characteristically, however, Darwinists, like primitive economists, assume that what is humane—I use the word here, unexceptionably, as I believe, to mean whatever arises from the desire to mitigate competition and to put aside self-interest—is unnatural, and therefore wrong. —Marilynne Robinson, The Death of Adam, (1998) 2005
I was once sitting behind a newspaper in the Swansea common room while two engineers, i.e. lecturers in engineering, therefore by common consent philistines, chatted together. —Kingsley Amis, Memoirs, 1991
The cell phone is thin and light and therefore very convenient to carry around. Payment was received two weeks after it was due; therefore, you will be charged a late fee.
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.
Both selling clubs had tied players recognised as their biggest assets to long-term contracts and were therefore in strong negotiating positions. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 24 July 2026 These effects can alter how the atom absorbs the light and, therefore, change how astronomers see that light. — Rahul Rao, Space.com, 23 July 2026 Olive oil, as well as avocado oil, is therefore considered a heart-healthy fat, while coconut oil is not, said Goldberg. — Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 23 July 2026 One of the mainstays of the local economy is also artisanal gold mining — which attracts informal workers who are highly mobile, and therefore likely to spread Ebola quickly if infected. — Emmet Livingstone, NPR, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for therefore

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of therefore was in the 12th century

Rhymes for therefore

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Browse Nearby Words

therefor
therefore
the Reformation
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Cite this Entry

“Therefore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/therefore. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

therefore

adverb
there·​fore ˈt͟ha(ə)r-ˌfō(ə)r How to pronounce therefore (audio)
ˈt͟he(ə)r-, 
-ˌfȯ(ə)r
: for that reason : consequently
he lost the bet, therefore he must pay

More from Merriam-Webster on therefore

Nglish: Translation of therefore for Spanish Speakers

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