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

These are my secret weapon for staying somewhat fresh on long travel days. —Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2025

The 28-year-old is recovering from double heel surgery, which has put his Opening Day availability somewhat in jeopardy. —Katie Woo, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025

At some point during the drive, officials say the raccoon got somewhat free and bit the man on his face and hands. —Dan Raby, CBS News, 1 Dec. 2025

Williams and Nix, meanwhile, have had somewhat similar second seasons. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 1 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