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 Vanquish Prime acquisition is therefore intended to strengthen the detection and tracking component of the wider defensive network rather than function as a standalone solution.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Congress should therefore make scientific recovery an economic priority.
    — Carole LaBonne, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Officials, for example, have not explained whether Young’s administrative leave was related to allegations against him personally, his supervisory responsibilities or another reason.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The Catalan capital has been a popular destination for decades, and with good reason.
    — Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
Adverb
  • Its sweet, soft, umami-rich profile can shift the taste of a recipe, so Czerwony suggests using about half the usual amount of garlic and adjusting from there.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026
  • But when the lines between sincerity and cynicism are so blurred, does intention even matter?
    — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 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
  • Just a few decades ago, these countries had much smaller elderly populations compared to Europe and thus had lower old-age dependency ratios.
    — Daron Acemoglu, Time, 7 Nov. 2026
  • No one around here thought that Woody had made a bad hire with Glenn, and thus made another mistake in a long line of them since Tannenbaum and Ryan had the Jets one win away from their first Super Bowl since Namath.
    — Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • No arrests have been made, and detectives have not released details of a motive behind the shootings.
    — Mark Price November 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Still, further research is needed to fully explain the motives and rationale behind the reuse of pagan tombs and sarcophagi during the medieval Christian period, Roffey told CNN in an email.
    — Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Amenities and experiences The resort spans over 148 acres of grounds, including 43 miles of hiking and biking trails.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Construction has continued since then, drastically changing the White House grounds.
    — Michelle Stoddart, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026

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“Wherefore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wherefore. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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