however

1 of 2

conjunction

how·​ev·​er hau̇-ˈe-vər How to pronounce however (audio)
1
: in whatever manner or way that
will help however I can
2
archaic : although

however

2 of 2

adverb

1
a
: in whatever manner or way
shall serve you, sir, truly, however elseWilliam Shakespeare
b
: to whatever degree or extent
couldn't convince him, however hard she tried
has done this for however many thousands of yearsEmma Hawkridge
2
: in spite of that : on the other hand
still seems possible, however, that conditions will improve
would like to go; however, I think I'd better not
3
: how in the world
however did you manage to do it

Did you know?

Beginning a Sentence With However

However is one in a long list of words that students have been admonished to avoid placing at the beginning of a sentence (others include and, but, for, so, yet, and many more). Can you use however to start a sentence? Yes. Some usage guides will recommend against placing it there when the intended meaning is “nonetheless” but will allow it for other senses of however, but a considerable number of prominent (and not so prominent) writers utilize just this sense of however in the initial position. You should make your own judgment about such use and let your ear guide you regarding its appropriateness.

Examples of however in a Sentence

Conjunction Do it however you like. I will help however I can. Adverb I'm all out of eggs; however, I can still make us a nice breakfast.
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.
Adverb
Finding the specific issue, however, is a little trickier. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2025 They’re made with the same ultra-soft Nulu fabric that’s sweat-wicking and stretchy; however, the new ones are made without seams. Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025 Republicans, however, argue that there is still time to hammer out a deal on the subsidies. Erin Doherty, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2025 Here in Lviv, however, life goes on. ABC News, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for however

Word History

First Known Use

Conjunction

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of however was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“However.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/however. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

however

1 of 2 conjunction
how·​ev·​er hau̇-ˈev-ər How to pronounce however (audio)
: in whatever way or manner
do it however you like

however

2 of 2 adverb
1
a
: in whatever manner or way
I'll get there however I can
b
: to whatever degree or extent
no prank, however innocent, was done
2
: in spite of that : on the other hand : but
I'd like to go; however, I'd better not

More from Merriam-Webster on however

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!