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

Kyiv and Moscow continued their exchange of nightly long-range strikes overnight into Monday, though their scale was somewhat muted compared with major attacks in recent days. —David Brennan, ABC News, 29 Dec. 2025

The Mequon real estate market was somewhat competitive in November, according to real estate brokerage Redfin. —Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 29 Dec. 2025

While in the first two, the siblings have somewhat uncomfortable interactions with their parents, in the third Paris section, the twin brother and sister have only memories of their late parents to excavate. —Pat Saperstein, Variety, 29 Dec. 2025

My second thought, though, was somewhat less nostalgic and pleasant. —Emma Specter, Vogue, 29 Dec. 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