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 defense of Brazilian democracy must therefore rest not only with the Brazilian people, through free, fair and transparent elections, but also with the vigilance and engagement of the international community.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
  • This idea—that different forms of comedy reward and therefore encourage different ways of being funny—is my main argument here.
    — Dan Brooks, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The reason is that sellers will give up some money to avoid the risk that a buyer’s financing falls through.
    — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Borisov’s brainy, tender, deeply contemplative performance lends an anchoring humanity to a film that might otherwise have curdled into sourness and despair — though there’s plenty of reason for that.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
Adverb
  • This is a brand new hotel, built to code, so hallways and elevators are not a problem.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • His ego is in exact inverse proportion to Ilya’s, which is part of what makes Garfield and Borisov play so beautifully off each other.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 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
  • Democrats must decide whether to take the deal in front of them or, possibly with a congressional majority next year, craft a version more to their liking that may be met with staunch GOP opposition and, thus, gridlock purgatory yet again.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Some believed that phallic icons served as protective amulets against infertility and evil spirits, thus leading to their incorporation in performances, art, and architecture.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In light of that revelation, Faist now sees another possible motive for Cyrus’ treatment of his sons, one driven by hubris and a desire to protect his own fictional legacy.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Police have not commented on a possible motive for Saturday's stabbing, which remains under investigation.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Until a 1917 church law was revised in 1983, those who died by suicide were denied Catholic burials on consecrated grounds.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
  • China is pushing for the EU to stop blocking its imports of advanced computer chipmaking machines, restrictions imposed on national security grounds at Washington's behest.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026

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“Wherefore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wherefore. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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