Definition of whereforenext
as in therefore
for this or that reason it was getting late, and wherefore we decided to move on

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wherefore

2 of 2

noun

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

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.
Recent Examples of wherefore
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
The whole process should be audited to determine the whys and wherefores of the delays and budget increases. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026 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 Soccer, though, did not waste time wondering about the whys and wherefores. — Ahmed Al Omran, New York Times, 13 July 2023 The political whys and wherefores are important — and might be left to another piece. — Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 14 May 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
  • The researchers are therefore exploring magnetic materials that could produce similar effects with lasers more compatible with electronic systems.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Pixentinel’s core proposition is therefore reducing the time between a streaming failure starting and an operations team understanding and deploying a fix for it.
    — Callum McLennan, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • That gives Qatar a powerful reason to keep talks moving between Tehran and Washington.
    — Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Dozens of people have accused Combs of playing games with their lives, sometimes for self-serving business reasons, other times for his own amusement.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • Gen either forgets or ignores the request, so Kat has to do it herself.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • By then, however, the tortoise is ten yards farther along, so Achilles must close the new gap.
    — Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • To use this tool requires bravery, vulnerability and honest insights into your why.
    — Joanna Horton McPherson, Forbes.com, 7 May 2026
  • Searching for a reason The time since, with no other winners in the city, has left plenty of room for those in the business to guess at a why.
    — Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • The same precision, refinement and attention to detail that define its hyper sports cars is thus reimagined for an exquisite residential environment.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 26 Sep. 2026
  • However, the chapter continues to be recognized by its national organization, and thus was legally permitted to operate as a fraternity chapter unaffiliated with the university.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Bland said detectives were looking to interview staff and the suspect to ascertain a motive for the attack.
    — Joseph Serna, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Schuck declined to comment about a motive behind the killings.
    — Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • However, reservations are now available for special tours of the castle grounds, starting in October 2026 until April 2027.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The Nathan Hale Homestead has had reports of ghosts roaming its grounds and in the house at night.
    — Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wherefore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wherefore. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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