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
  • Of course, the answer to all of the above questions is definitely no.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2026
  • But, why would one school say 'no' to something that opponents could easily take advantage of as well?
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 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
  • And hey, if the superstar was feeling a little low, what better pick-me-up than karaoke with Chrissie Hynde or a heart-to-heart in the ladies’ with ennui expert Lena Dunham?
    — Ben Jureidini, Vanity Fair, 15 Aug. 2026
  • And hey, brands like Jif, Rao's, and Barilla are classics for a reason—they're good.
    — Editors of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of hey
Interjection
  • Getty Images As wildfires sweep Europe and North America, falsehoods about their causes and the nature of climate change are spreading like, well, wildfire.
    — David Vetter, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • What especially stayed with my classmates and me was, well, us.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 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

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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 25 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of what for Spanish Speakers

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