why 1 of 2

interjection

Definition of whynext
as in oh
how surprising, doubtful, or unbelievable why, what a strange thing to say! why, that's not possible!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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why

2 of 2

noun

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

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 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
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, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for why
Recent Examples of Synonyms for why
  1. oh
  2. reason
  3. mystery
  4. no
  5. motive
  6. hey
  7. grounds
  8. well
Interjection
  • Certain movements may aggravate the pain, such as, oh, swinging a golf club.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Some people think, oh, the show’s about true romance, true love conquering it all.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 8 June 2026
Definition of oh
Noun
  • These groups that are coming here are coming for one reason, and that is to provoke a reaction and generate attention.
    — Heath Kalb, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The suit maintains that the commission’s denial does not identify any adverse impact to a wetland function or value, nor any feasible and prudent alternatives to address the Commission’s reasons for denial, in violation of state law, Conn.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of reason
Noun
  • Joe Conti, an independent researcher and physics enthusiast based in Massachusetts, is inviting eclipse observers across Iceland and Spain to capture the optical mystery on their smartphones as part of a citizen science project.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Avoiding a court case also helped keep the the reason behind their breakup a mystery, though both have since hinted that the burden of fame and the constant pressure of being in the spotlight were more than the couple could bear.
    — Francesca Pellegrini, Vanity Fair, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of mystery
Interjection
  • If the answer is still no, the blocker was something other than economics, and that constraint probably hasn't changed.
    — Mateusz Mucha, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Well, no, of course not, because that's not how fans think or operate.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of no
Noun
  • Investigators determined that Matute, aka Paguada Paguada, knew the two victims, but the motive for the shooting is still unclear.
    — Briauna Brown, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Rahmani said Nick’s interactions with guests at the party could be used as evidence of motive.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of motive
Interjection
  • But hey, hats off to Ferran Torres for throwing down such a solid first pitch.
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Families would call and say, hey, my kids are out there on a canoe trip.
    — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 29 July 2026
Definition of hey
Noun
  • The administration is pushing to restrict leading Chinese open-weight models on cybersecurity grounds.
    — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • While Theo lived in the hospital, Sarah and Gary lived on the hospital grounds at the Ronald McDonald House — becoming one of the longest residents to ever stay at the home.
    — Georgia Slater, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of grounds
Interjection
  • Tatis, reading the moment well in just his third pinch-hitting appearance this year, earned a four-pitch walk.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • He’s thrilled to see Ted again — well, as thrilled as Roy gets — but Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt) has a more complicated reaction.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of well

Browse Nearby Words

whups
why
whys
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Cite this Entry

“Why.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/why. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of why for Spanish Speakers

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