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

Her talent speaks for itself but flew somewhat under Parisian radars. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Today, the bridge is as perilous as ever, though the import of its history diluted somewhat by the tourist stalls and Instagram-friendly ‘Welcome to Devil’s Bridge’ photo frame to pose in. —Duncan Madden, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

Alamo could be somewhat demonstrative toward Bishop, too. —Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 1 June 2026

Audiences are dropped into the interior lives of two friends who have somewhat drifted apart over time. —Candice Frederick, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 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