why

why

noun

Definition of WHY

1

something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing <asked the whys behind the surprising decision>

Synonyms account, authority, grounds, motive, subject, wherefore, why

Related Words antecedent, cause, consideration, impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, occasion, stimulus

2

something hard to understand or explain <how one decides that a certain he or she is “the one” is one of the great whys of life>

Synonyms closed book, conundrum, enigma, head-scratcher, mystification, puzzle, puzzlement, riddle, secret

Related Words brainteaser, case, challenge, knot, matter, perplexity, poser, problem, stumper, trouble