wherewithal

1 of 3

noun

where·​with·​al ˈ(h)wer-wi-ˌt͟hȯl  -ˌthȯl 

: means, resources

specifically : money

didn't have the wherewithal for an expensive dinner

wherewithal

2 of 3

conjunction

: wherewith

wherewithal

3 of 3

pronoun

: wherewith

Did you know?

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."

Synonyms of wherewithal

Noun

• resources
• finances
• fund
• pocket

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

Noun

That’s because the burden will fall most heavily on small and midsize companies that generally don’t have the wherewithal to shift or expand production in America. — Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026

Generally, racehorses aren’t suitable for young children or beginners, and owners must have the space and wherewithal to feed and care for them, which can cost thousands of dollars a year. — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026

But the story was also conveyed by amateur bloggers and civilians with cameras, who had the poise and wherewithal to post images, alerts, and their own anguished reactions so that the world would see with their own eyes—and respond. — David Friend, Vanity Fair, 10 Sep. 2026

By the end of this season of Furious, Alice has proved her wherewithal and resourcefulness to her superior, FBI agent Nora Washington (Quincy Tyler Bernstine). — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Conjunction

where + withal entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

1809, in the meaning defined above

Conjunction

1534, in the meaning defined above

Pronoun

1583, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for wherewithal

• autosomal
• cholesterol
• ergosterol
• lysosomal
• microsomal
• mycorrhizal
• neanderthal
• resorcinol
• ribosomal
• salbutamol
• aerosol
• alcohol

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Kids Definition

wherewithal

noun

where·​with·​al

ˈhwe(ə)r-wit͟h-ˌȯl, 

ˈhwa(ə)r-, 

ˈwe(ə)r-, 

ˈwa(ə)r-, 

-with-

: wealth sense 1, resources

especially : money sense 1b

the wherewithal to buy a house