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 of somewhat

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

My viewpoint is that most people are already somewhat curious about the Great Books and have imagined on occasion whether these classic texts might actually be worth reading. —Literary Hub, 26 May 2026

The eagle-eyed commenters on Bring a Trailer also noted various instances of wear and tear, while agreeing that, for the price, the car is somewhat of a steal. —Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 25 May 2026

After a somewhat lengthy review, the call on the ice stood. —Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 25 May 2026

While the crop’s prices have eased somewhat from the significant shortages seen in 2024, chocolate prices remain high, reflecting a fundamental strain on the market. —Indrabati Lahiri, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026

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