however

play

conjunction how·ev·er \ hau̇-ˈe-vər \

Definition of however

1 :in whatever manner or way that

will help however I can

2 archaic :although

See however defined for English-language learners

See however defined for kids

Examples of however in a Sentence

Do it however you like.
I will help however I can.

First Known Use of however

14th century

however

adverb

Definition of however

1 a :in whatever manner or way

shall serve you, sir, truly, however else
—William Shakespeare

b :to whatever degree or extent

couldn't convince him, however hard she tried

has done this for however many thousands of years
—Emma 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

See however defined for English-language learners

Examples of however in a Sentence

I'm all out of eggs; however, I can still make us a nice breakfast.

Recent Examples of however from the Web

However, one day his master dies and the train arrives without him.

— steve zimmerman, Daily Southtown, "Orland-area students getting an education in how to help," 30 Aug. 2017
Those increases are not because a lack of supply in the region or the hurricane, however, as Idaho gets most its oil from Wyoming and is refined in Salt Lake City.

— michael katz, idahostatesman, "Noticed an increase at Idaho gas pumps? It’s not because of Hurricane Harvey ... yet," 30 Aug. 2017
That controlled release of water, however, comes at a price forcing evacuations across Katy as the Barker Reservoir began to spill its banks.

— wesley lowery, chicagotribune.com, "Harvey's aftermath: Newly homeless Texans encounter clogged shelter toilets, soggy family photos and heroic rescues," 29 Aug. 2017
The loss, however, is a big one as Roderick Johnson was drafted by Cleveland.

— george richards, miamiherald, "Florida State Seminoles: Breaking down the 2017 season," 29 Aug. 2017
The new formula, however, is not a panacea for District 204, which is predicting declining enrollments and rising home values.

— suzanne baker, Naperville Sun, "After Rauner signs funding bill, Naperville-area schools may see state dollars," 29 Aug. 2017
However, the presence of Scott Schebler and Jesse Winker might make Duvall a more attractive trade candidate if the Reds decide the want to deal from the major-league roster. 5.

— zach buchanan, Cincinnati.com, "BAR: Ranking the Cincinnati Reds' contract extension candidates," 29 Aug. 2017
However, Mr. Nelson warned drivers of all ages about one feature now in most new cars: the backup camera.

— jane e. brody, New York Times, "Safer Cars Help Keep Older Drivers on the Road," 28 Aug. 2017
Oh Lorde!!!! #VMAs pic.twitter.com/hnb7E1GrSk -- Natasa (@NatasaKve) August 27, 2017 Critics, however, called it unoriginal.

— the tylt, AL.com, "Best-dressed at the MTV VMAs: Katy Perry or Lorde?," 28 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'however.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of however

14th century

however Synonyms

Synonyms

even so, howbeit, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, still, still and all, though, withal, yet, all the same (or just the same), at the same time

Related Words

after all, anyhow, regardless; per contra

HOWEVER Defined for English Language Learners

however

play

conjunction

Definition of however for English Language Learners

: in whatever manner or way

however

adverb

Definition of however for English Language Learners

—used when you are saying something that is different from or contrasts with a previous statement
: to whatever degree or extent : no matter how
—used as a more forceful way of saying how