however

conjunction

how·ev·er | \ hau̇-ˈe-vər

Definition of however

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : in whatever manner or way that will help however I can

2 archaic : although

however

adverb

Definition of however (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : 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

Synonyms Beginning a Sentence With However More Example Sentences Learn More about however

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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: Adverb

Now, however, Warner has seemed to change its mind. — Carolyn Twersky, Seventeen, "Oh No! "Friends" Might Be Leaving Netflix for a New Streaming Service!," 12 Feb. 2019 Most interesting, however, was judge Simon Cowell's reaction to Susan's stunning performance. — Heather Finn, Good Housekeeping, "Simon Cowell Admits to His "Disgusting" Past After Susan Boyle's 'AGT' Performance," 12 Feb. 2019 One candidate, however, is less political, and more spiritual: Marianne Williamson, author, activist, self-help guru, and Friend Of Oprah—a tier of status, not a person—has announced her candidacy for President, as a Democrat. — Amanda Mitchell, Marie Claire, "Who Is Marianne Williamson, 2020 Presidential Candidate and Also Oprah's Spiritual Advisor?," 8 Feb. 2019 Perhaps the clipping that stood out most, however, is the one of a younger Queen Elizabeth. — Taylor Mead, House Beautiful, "Summer Thornton Is Designing a Hotel and the Mood Board Looks Bananas," 1 Feb. 2019 The good news, however, is that this means that Avrame kits are now available in all 50 states. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "Affordable A-frame house can be built by just two people," 11 Jan. 2019 What makes this book so fascinating, however, is just how little this scholar of self-deception seems to know himself. — Emily Bobrow, WSJ, "‘Dark Water’ Review: Unfathomable Depths," 28 Dec. 2018 For many Tumblr users and onlookers, however, the simplest solution seems to be a return to the spirit that built Tumblr culture: When all else fails, make memes. — Aja Romano, Vox, "Tumblr’s adult content ban is already harming the site’s vibrant community.," 5 Dec. 2018 Heidi, however, is the walking embodiment of a down-to-earth mountain jockess. — Candice Rainey, Condé Nast Traveler, "What It's Like to Ski With an Olympian," 4 Dec. 2018

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.