somewhat

1 of 2

pronoun

some·​what ˈsəm-ˌ(h)wət 

ˈsəm-ˌ(h)wät,

(ˌ)səm-ˈ(h)wət,

(ˌ)səm-ˈ(h)wät

: something

somewhat

2 of 2

adverb

: in some degree or measure : slightly

Synonyms

Adverb

• pretty
• relatively
• quite
• rather
• fairly
• something
• enough

Examples of somewhat in a Sentence

Adverb

He felt somewhat awkward in his suit.

Our work has progressed somewhat.

The course is somewhat more difficult than I was told it would be.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

Under new head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots used the pick in somewhat surprising fashion, taking a running back with the 38th overall selection. —Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Aug. 2025

Calling Weapons’ ending a victory is perhaps somewhat generous, what with the matter of all the dead people left to account for, even Gladys. —Andy Crump, Time, 9 Aug. 2025

The footage is somewhat grainy and Patel’s back obscures part of what is happening in his encounter with Miller. —Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2025

This focus on upgrading top-selling items also gives the company permission to raise prices, a move that is expected to somewhat mitigate the tariff impact. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 8 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Pronoun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing somewhat

• somewhat of

Rhymes for somewhat

• butternut
• cocoanut
• coconut
• hazelnut
• undercut
• abut
• catgut
• chesnut
• chestnut
• donut
• doughnut
• groundnut

Kids Definition

somewhat

1 of 2 pronoun

some·​what ˈsəm-ˌ(h)wät 

-ˌ(h)wət;

(ˌ)səm-ˈ(h)wät,

-ˈ(h)wət

: some unspecified part or amount : something

somewhat of what you say is true

somewhat

2 of 2 adverb

: in some measure : slightly

somewhat comfortable