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where·with·al
ˈ(h)wer-wi-ˌt͟hȯl 
-ˌthȯl
-ˌthȯl
Did you know?
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.
Synonyms
Example Sentences
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
Justin Lahart, WSJ, 28 July 2022
The fact that David Simon and Ed Burns had the wherewithal to bring these people in as consultants and then put them on the show — has it ever been done?
—Vulture, 7 July 2022
Niyum Gandhi, chief financial officer of Mass General Brigham, said the 12-hospital system has the financial wherewithal to weather this storm.
—Jessica Bartlett, BostonGlobe.com, 16 Dec. 2022
As with California’s attempt to support out-of-state residents seeking abortions, the impact of SB 107 is hard to estimate because many people in other states don’t have the option or financial wherewithal to abruptly move to California.
—Mackenzie Mays, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2022
Rubio, seeking a third term in the Senate, leads in the polls, but Democrats are hopeful that Demings – who has significantly raised more campaign funds than the incumbent – has the wherewithal to pull an upset.
—Sarah Elbeshbishi, USA TODAY, 18 Oct. 2022
Homeowners also have the wherewithal to keep spending on their homes.
—Justin Lahart, WSJ, 28 Oct. 2022
Also, if the user is really in trouble and doesn’t have the time or wherewithal to deal with Apple’s mandatory menu of emergency messages, Garmin’s SOS button instantly alerts emergency responders.
—Jakob Schiller, Outside Online, 14 Sep. 2022
Luckily for him, Lillard had enough wherewithal to remember his food was on the roof.
—Alex Vejar, The Salt Lake Tribune, 15 Aug. 2022
See More
Noun
The job market is still strong and if employment keeps climbing, people’s wherewithal to spend should remain intact.
—Justin Lahart, WSJ, 28 July 2022
The fact that David Simon and Ed Burns had the wherewithal to bring these people in as consultants and then put them on the show — has it ever been done?
—Vulture, 7 July 2022
Niyum Gandhi, chief financial officer of Mass General Brigham, said the 12-hospital system has the financial wherewithal to weather this storm.
—Jessica Bartlett, BostonGlobe.com, 16 Dec. 2022
As with California’s attempt to support out-of-state residents seeking abortions, the impact of SB 107 is hard to estimate because many people in other states don’t have the option or financial wherewithal to abruptly move to California.
—Mackenzie Mays, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2022
Rubio, seeking a third term in the Senate, leads in the polls, but Democrats are hopeful that Demings – who has significantly raised more campaign funds than the incumbent – has the wherewithal to pull an upset.
—Sarah Elbeshbishi, USA TODAY, 18 Oct. 2022
Homeowners also have the wherewithal to keep spending on their homes.
—Justin Lahart, WSJ, 28 Oct. 2022
Also, if the user is really in trouble and doesn’t have the time or wherewithal to deal with Apple’s mandatory menu of emergency messages, Garmin’s SOS button instantly alerts emergency responders.
—Jakob Schiller, Outside Online, 14 Sep. 2022
Luckily for him, Lillard had enough wherewithal to remember his food was on the roof.
—Alex Vejar, The Salt Lake Tribune, 15 Aug. 2022
See More
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'wherewithal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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Dictionary Entries Near wherewithal
Cite this Entry
“Wherewithal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wherewithal. Accessed 9 Feb. 2023.
Kids Definition
wherewithal
noun
where·with·al
ˈhwe(ə)r-wit͟h-ˌȯl,
ˈhwa(ə)r-,
ˈwe(ə)r-,
ˈwa(ə)r-,
-with-
More from Merriam-Webster on wherewithal
Nglish: Translation of wherewithal for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of wherewithal for Arabic Speakers
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