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If wherewithal sounds like three words smashed together, that’s because it is—sort of. Wherewithal combines where and withal, an adverb from Middle English that is itself a combination of with and all. In the past, wherewithal was used as a conjunction meaning "with or by means of which" and as a pronoun meaning "that with or by which." Today, however, it is almost always used as a noun to refer to the means or resources a person or entity has at their disposal. It refers especially to financial resources, but other means such as social influence, ability, and emotional capacity may also be termed as "wherewithal."
Examples of wherewithal in a Sentence
Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
And, unlike Jokic, doesn’t display the wherewithal to avoid nonsensical fouls that hurt the team via in-the-moment free throws as well as adding to the quarter’s foul tally.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 23 Apr. 2026
The fledgling distributor had shown the wherewithal to turn around acquisitions into splashy releases in a short time.
—Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026
Cities that do have the wherewithal to apply for grants can turn to a federal program under the USDA's Rural Development office.
—Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wherewithal
Cite this Entry
“Wherewithal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wherewithal. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
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