as in therefore
for this or that reason
it was getting late, and wherefore we decided to move on
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in reason
something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing
demanded to know the whys and wherefores for the decision
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of wherefore
Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024
Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 12 Mar. 2025
But none of those 265 pages of wherefores and whereases on the sports authority website are legally binding.
—Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2024
Eschewing cheap shots, McBride favors a careful, winding excavation – reaching into history for the whys and wherefores of his novels’ crowded casts, while delivering whopper stories with electric finales.
—Erin Douglass, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Oct. 2023
Soccer, though, did not waste time wondering about the whys and wherefores.
—Ahmed Al Omran, New York Times, 13 July 2023
Julian Fellowes, a master writer who understands so well all the peculiarities of time and place, manners and historical significance of the whys and wherefores of his fictional inhabitants, is to be applauded.
—Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2019
Adverb
The musicians, especially but not exclusively Jerry Garcia, whose death in 1995 only technically ended the Dead, prove remarkably articulate about the why and wherefore of their music and the group mind that created it.
—Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
For one thing: we are reminded of the American purpose, our whys and wherefores.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 12 Mar. 2025
But none of those 265 pages of wherefores and whereases on the sports authority website are legally binding.
—Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2024
Eschewing cheap shots, McBride favors a careful, winding excavation – reaching into history for the whys and wherefores of his novels’ crowded casts, while delivering whopper stories with electric finales.
—Erin Douglass, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Oct. 2023
Soccer, though, did not waste time wondering about the whys and wherefores.
—Ahmed Al Omran, New York Times, 13 July 2023
Julian Fellowes, a master writer who understands so well all the peculiarities of time and place, manners and historical significance of the whys and wherefores of his fictional inhabitants, is to be applauded.
—Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wherefore
Adverb
-
Richards, therefore, was on an island with Valencia, who spun him around and finished expertly.—
Paul Tenorio,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
-
Lower-income Americans may be unemployed or underemployed, therefore lacking access to comprehensive health care coverage.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The Bills and Eagles both losing last week left the NFL with no unbeaten teams this year as the 1972 Perfect Season Dolphins had reason to celebrate yet again.—
Greg Cote
October 9,
Miami Herald,
9 Oct. 2025
-
Hill’s option will likely be exercised; there’s no reason for the club to part ways with him.—
Brendan Kuty,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
Individual bulbs need to be spaced at least an inch apart, so keep that in mind when choosing the width of your container.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
13 Oct. 2025
-
If told to evacuate, do so immediately.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
But maybe the most important thing isn’t the why, but the fact that the appearance happened at all.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
24 July 2025
-
Build your own opportunities, document your journey, and stay rooted in your why.—
Zoya Hasan,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
Adverb
-
Coach Witten said Cooper has been battling through some leg and ankle injuries and thus was held out of the offense in this game.—
Mike Waters,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Machado, a 58-year-old industrial engineer who lives in hiding, was blocked in 2024 by Venezuela's courts from running for president and thus challenging President Nicolas Maduro, who has been in power since 2013.—
Reuters,
USA Today,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
His criticism was rooted in the right’s effort to blame the left, and trans people more specifically, for the shooting before the public knew anything about the potential motive of the shooter.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
9 Oct. 2025
-
An investigation into the motive for the murder-for-hire plot continues, Railsback said.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The confusing feelings of anger and what was once a loving friendship lead to an engaging battle amongst the snowy grounds of a graveyard.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
13 Oct. 2025
-
The trial was delayed in June on diplomatic and security grounds.—
Barney Henderson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wherefore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wherefore. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
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