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

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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 latest compensation payments therefore represent less a resolution of the mystery than an acknowledgment of its human impact.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026
  • Éric Rohmer’s name is therefore none other than a pseudonym forged on two pseudonyms.
    André Aciman, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
Noun
  • The Ukrainian presidency gave no reason for the reshuffle, in which Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko also lost her job.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • Scientists not involved in the study praised it but also offered some reasons to be cautious.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 July 2026
Adverb
  • The problem is that this group is mostly comprised of uncultured idiots, so Shai and Georgia are the only people who know what Rocky Horror is.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 16 July 2026
  • Part of what makes AI so useful in health and medicine is that the technology excels at identifying trends in large swaths of data, said Jason Droege, CEO of Scale AI, which worked with Mayo Clinic to develop Record Time.
    Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 16 July 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
  • That the paper’s release coincides with summer vacation and, thus, a likely rise in screen time, is also significant.
    Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026
  • The resulting force led to a twist in Pusilic’s ankle and knee and thus his fortunes.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Noun
  • Police said that suspect information, a motive and the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • The murders of Cox and Amess were propelled by very different motives from each other.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • In addition to the aforementioned football field, the resort-like grounds also host a pool with a spa and a waterfall, along with a pizza oven, a game pavilion with a candy bar, and a sports court for tennis, basketball, and pickleball.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 17 July 2026
  • There are other cooling spots as well as seven water misters on the fair grounds.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado Updated July 17, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026

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“Wherefore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wherefore. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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