what

interjection

Definition of whatnext
as in why
how surprising, doubtful, or unbelievable what! I can't believe we won!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for what
  1. why
  2. no
  3. oh
  4. hey
  5. well
Interjection
  • Why, oh why, do the Rangers keep throwing away almost certain victories in the final minutes of playoff games?
    — FILIP BONDY, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2017
Definition of why
Interjection
  • Looking at the title, that colon implies that there could be other Voices albums, no?
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
  • That’s where any commitment to accuracy wears off (no, Andrew didn’t try to kill Lizzie during the crime, as the penultimate episode suggests).
    — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of no
Interjection
  • Certain movements may aggravate the pain, such as, oh, swinging a golf club.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Some people think, oh, the show’s about true romance, true love conquering it all.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 8 June 2026
Definition of oh
Interjection
  • No stranger to the brand’s lineup (hey, Ginseng Essence Water and Revive Serum), ginseng is a key ingredient in this formula, helping to brighten dull skin, boost circulation, and provide all the calming vibes.
    — Sarah Han, Allure, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The Hollingsworths are pulled closer together once they’re informed by Nia (Antoinette Crowe-Legacy), a detective with Homeland Security — hey, there’s one more square for your federal agency bingo card!
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of hey
Interjection
  • And if anyone knows of any reason this puzzle should not be solved … well, give it a go, anyway.
    — Sam Corbin, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Well – well – well, the – the – the president doesn't take orders from me.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of well
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Phrases Containing what

Browse Nearby Words

wharves
what
what's more
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Cite this Entry

“What.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/what. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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