with

Q: Is 'with' a preposition?

Yes, with is a preposition ("a function word that typically combines with a noun phrase to form a phrase which usually expresses a modification or predication"). Although with previously functioned as an adverb and a conjunction, it has not done so for many centuries, and these uses are now quite obsolete.

preposition

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\ ˈwit͟h

, ˈwith

, wət͟h, wəth \

Definition of with

1a : in opposition to : against had a fight with his brother

b : so as to be separated or detached from broke with her family

2a —used as a function word to indicate a participant in an action, transaction, or arrangement works with his fathera talk with a friendgot into an accident with the car

b —used as a function word to indicate the object of attention, behavior, or feeling get tough with himangry with her

c : in respect to : so far as concerns on friendly terms with all nations

d —used to indicate the object of an adverbial expression of imperative force off with his head

e : over, on no longer has any influence with them

f : in the performance, operation, or use of the trouble with this machine

3a —used as a function word to indicate the object of a statement of comparison or equality a dress identical with her hostess's

b —used as a function word to express agreement or sympathy must conclude, with you, that the painting is a forgery

c : on the side of : for if he's for lower taxes, I'm with him

d : as well as can pitch with the best of them

4a —used as a function word to indicate combination, accompaniment, presence, or addition heat milk with honeywent there with herhis money, with his wife's, comes to a million

b : inclusive of costs $5 with the tax

5a : in the judgment or estimation of stood well with her classmates

b : in or according to the experience or practice of with many of us, our ideas seem to fall by the wayside— W. J. Reilly

6a —used as a function word to indicate the means, cause, agent, or instrumentality hit him with a rockpale with angerthreatened with tuberculosishe amused the crowd with his antics

b archaic : by the direct act of

7a —used as a function word to indicate manner of action ran with effortacknowledge your contribution with thanks

b —used as a function word to indicate an attendant fact or circumstance stood there with his hat on

c —used as a function word to indicate a result attendant on a specified action got off with a light sentence

8a(1) : in possession of : having came with good news

(2) : in the possession or care of left the money with her mother

b : characterized or distinguished by a person with a sharp nose

9a —used as a function word to indicate a close association in time with the outbreak of war they went homemellows with time

b : in proportion to the pressure varies with the depth

10a : in spite of : notwithstanding a really tip-top man, with all his wrongheadedness— H. J. Laski

b : except for finds that, with one group of omissions and one important addition, they reflect that curriculum— Gilbert Highet

11 : in the direction of with the wind with the grain

Synonyms Frequently Asked Questions About with More Example Sentences Learn More about with

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Frequently Asked Questions About with

Can you end a sentence with with?

You may end a sentence with "with," provided you are willing to listen to people tell you that you should not have ended it with a preposition. There is nothing inherently wrong about ending a sentence with a preposition, and never has been.

Is with a preposition?

Yes, with is a preposition ("a function word that typically combines with a noun phrase to form a phrase which usually expresses a modification or predication"). Although with previously functioned as an adverb and a conjunction, it has not done so for many centuries, and these uses are now quite obsolete.

Can you begin a sentence with with?

One occasionally hears that sentences should not begin with with. There have been many attempts to categorize many words in English as improper to place at the beginning of a sentence. These "rules" are simply a matter of individual preference, not of grammatical correctness. You may begin a sentence with with.

Examples of with in a Sentence

He wants to marry someone with a lot of money. You will be competing against people with more experience than you. They graduated from college with honors.

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These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'with.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.