where·with·al
ˈ(h)wer-wi-ˌt͟hȯl 
-ˌthȯl
-ˌthȯl
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Wherewithal comes from where and withal (meaning "with"), and it has been used as a conjunction meaning "with or by means of which" and as a pronoun meaning "that with or by which." These days, however, it is almost always used as a noun referring to the means or resources a person has at one's disposal—especially financial resources.
Examples of wherewithal in a Sentence
Noun
A project as big as this requires a lot of financial wherewithal.
He doesn't have the wherewithal to finish what he started.
Recent Examples on the Web
Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 19 May 2025
America's Apollo program was a team effort, tapping into the talents of 400,000 people, a unified undertaking, a blend of government, industry, and academic wherewithal.
—Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
The union’s wherewithal to resist the cap has become almost part and parcel of its identity and there has never been any indication that the players are prepared to give in now.
—Chris Deubert, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Typically, these are individuals who have enough financial wherewithal to be considered by regulators to be accredited investors for whom riskier and less liquid assets can be suitable investments.
—Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for wherewithal
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Noun
Then a team also has to have the energy and wherewithal to play through four rounds against steep competition.
—Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 19 May 2025
America's Apollo program was a team effort, tapping into the talents of 400,000 people, a unified undertaking, a blend of government, industry, and academic wherewithal.
—Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
The union’s wherewithal to resist the cap has become almost part and parcel of its identity and there has never been any indication that the players are prepared to give in now.
—Chris Deubert, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Typically, these are individuals who have enough financial wherewithal to be considered by regulators to be accredited investors for whom riskier and less liquid assets can be suitable investments.
—Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for wherewithal
Cite this Entry
“Wherewithal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wherewithal. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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