as in oh
how surprising, doubtful, or unbelievable
why, what a strange thing to say! why, that's not possible!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in reason
something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing
asked the whys behind the surprising decision
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in mystery
something hard to understand or explain
how one decides that a certain person is "the one" is one of the great whys of life
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of why
Filip Bondy, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2017
Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026
Every character is fully developed and has a why, and every backstory is so rich.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for why
Interjection
Why, oh why, do the Rangers keep throwing away almost certain victories in the final minutes of playoff games?
—Filip Bondy, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2017
Noun
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, 29 Mar. 2026
Every character is fully developed and has a why, and every backstory is so rich.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for why
Recent Examples of Synonyms for why
Interjection
-
Like Streep, Orman discovered her self-worth and reached new heights of career success after saying no—to none other than Oprah Winfrey.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
10 June 2026
-
Or, no, that is Jeremy Strong, because Strong is simply too recognizable to physically disappear into the role of Zuckerberg, but the voice clinches it.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
While the dormant transmission line had been long out of use, there are many reasons to keep it from being dismantled, including growth in the region, Dunleavy said.—
Tony Saavedra,
Daily News,
10 June 2026
-
However, Wake County Superior Court Judge Bryan Collins dismissed the claims, citing procedural reasons.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
In addition to her work on BBC Radio 1, King co-hosts the podcast Novel Idea with Matt Edmondson, where the pair collaborate on writing a mystery novel, with each episode serving as a new chapter.—
Angelique Brenes,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
-
For new discoveries, everyday mysteries, and the science behind the headlines, follow NPR’s Short Wave podcast.—
Jon Hamilton,
NPR,
11 June 2026
Interjection
-
But hey, the factory workers do finally get their pizza party during the credits!—
Tasha Robinson,
Vulture,
16 June 2026
-
The actor is also well-aware of Almanzo’s heartthrob status — hey, someone in Walnut Grove had to be the town hunk!—
Kelly Martinez,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
The Sheriff’s Office did not release any details about a motive or what might have led to the fatal shooting.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
10 June 2026
-
Critics, however, have questioned the administration’s motives behind the new division given that fraud was already prosecuted by the agency’s Criminal Division, which last year announced the largest coordinated takedown of healthcare fraud schemes in Justice Department history.—
Alanna Durkin Richer,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
Interjection
-
End in Thornton for dinner and a tour at Thornton Distilling, where water for the spirits comes from an artesian limestone well dating from the 1800s.—
Midwest Living,
Midwest Living,
12 June 2026
-
The high-waist design is so supportive, the Nulu fabric is buttery-soft and sweat-wicking, and the leggings are a staple for workouts, errands, and well, anything.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Ride share lots are far from the stadium grounds, so fans are urged to step out of their comfort zone and use public transportation.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
14 June 2026
-
But a much larger crowd is expected to watch on The Ellipse, near the Lincoln Memorial and surrounding areas outside of the White House grounds.—
Isabella Murray,
ABC News,
14 June 2026
Interjection
-
Oh gee, is that supposed to be me in the video with the goatee?—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
3 Oct. 2025
-
As the spigot closed, inflation spiked (gee, maybe there’s a connection?) and the economy slowed, the state budget went from a whopping surplus to stubborn deficits.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Why.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/why. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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