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
  • Leaders therefore need to move beyond vague claims about productivity and efficiency.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • The new guidelines therefore incorporate 30-year risk estimates for adults ages 30 to 59.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • There is no longer a reason to build in room for a counter that may never come.
    Chris Ryan, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • And the reasons may be rooted as much in Southerners’ attitudes about being overweight as in their diets and exercise patterns.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
Adverb
  • Energy is a key input into many goods and services given its broad use across the economy and so higher prices may fuel inflation.
    Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • Under Georgia law, a judge can decide whether a defendant serves that sentence in prison or on probation, so Colin Gray could be released Thursday.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 30 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
  • Minnesota embedded the ban in a broader public safety bill, characterizing the markets as gambling, and thus, a public health and safety issue.
    Samantha Elkins, NBC news, 27 July 2026
  • By Tuesday, all 32 NFL teams will have opened training camps, thus signaling the RETURN OF FOOTBALL!
    Jim Reineking, USA Today, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • Washington supplies the last motive, with CNBC framing the alliance as the sector's pushback against efforts to curb Chinese models.
    Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • The governor's office hasn't responded to a request for comment from USA TODAY about the allegations of political motives.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Noun
  • The pattern references Gawthorpe Hall (the historic country house on whose grounds Burnley’s training base is located) and the lettering is based on our old programmes.
    Matt Slater, New York Times, 31 July 2026
  • Curated by LaGuardia Design Group, the park-like grounds are adorned with mature specimen trees and dense hedging.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 31 July 2026

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“Wherefore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wherefore. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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