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
  • Chhetri and his colleagues are therefore continuously analysing water samples collected after the membrane treatment.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Hurts’ anticipation and timing are therefore more of a must-have than usual — especially on throws over the middle.
    Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Ray Washburne, co-chair of the Dallas host committee, said there were strong reasons for some lawmakers and candidates to pass on attending.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Rogers did not give a specific reason for her departure from the Education Department, which was first reported by National Public Radio.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • Not since early Vanderpump Rules have we been so blessed by morally bankrupt individuals being so willing to televise their cheating (key word being willing).
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Indeed, scientists believe that, regardless of whether 2026 breaks the record for hottest year ever, 2027 almost certainly will do so because of the El Niño conditions.
    Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 10 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
  • Asian families are used to dealing with ministries through their businesses, and thus see few qualms in doing so again through their charities.
    Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Rothfeld is right that Cusk’s project of dismantling personhood can leave us with a void that is actually personhood radicalized, and thus anything but insightful or liberating.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Tamás Don, president of the Hungarian section of AICA (the International Association of Art Critics) has questioned the motive of moving work from the Hungarian National Gallery.
    Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 9 Sep. 2026
  • No political motive was given for his rampage, according to an EU document on the emerging threat of nihilistic extremist violence.
    Lorne Cook, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Related Stories Some concrete declarations regarding trade were unveiled at the held on the stunning grounds of the Fondation Maeght art foundation and museum complex.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
  • For 45 years, Fiesta Hispana has given generations of Kansas City residents a place to gather around Latino culture, filling its festival grounds with music, dancing, food and traditions representing communities from across Latin America.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2026

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“Wherefore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wherefore. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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