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

Opened last fall, the resort rests where three ecosystems collide—the Mojave Desert, the Colorado Plateau, and the Great Basin—creating scenery that feels somewhat otherworldly. —Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Confidence among CFOs improved somewhat, but remained below its historic average, and the key indicators point to caution at their firms, according to the findings. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 20 Jan. 2026

Though the exact origins of the drink are somewhat murky, most cocktail historians credit the drink to actor George Jessel, who ordered it in 1927 to cure a hangover. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Jan. 2026

Timing is still somewhat uncertain on what type of precipitation will fall at a particular time, but confidence is increasing. —Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 20 Jan. 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