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
Noun
-
For this reason, the tent was constructed in such a way that the crowd could see and hear the girls, but the girls could not see the crowd, a one-way mirror.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
-
Food and drink The food and beverages are reason alone to come here.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Guests will also get to explore topics such as liberal Zionism and the connection between food and memory, and participate in a Sermon Slam, crafting mini-sermons from mystery prompts.—
Jessica Tzikas,
Sun Sentinel,
14 May 2026
-
Not every summer movie needs to be a mystery that unfolds hallway after hallway, with a creature hiding around every corner ready to pop out.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
Interjection
-
And the lawyer says, ‘Oh, no, there’s no contingency for it.—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
20 May 2026
-
Fletcher told him no, Balow said.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Attack being investigated as hate crime Authorities vowed to get to the bottom of the motive behind the attack.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
19 May 2026
-
Police have not released a specific motive for the shooting the suspect's name.—
Dennis Romero,
NBC news,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
Lush grounds, multiple saltwater swimming pools, a serene spa, wonderful on-property dining, and spacious guestrooms and suites make this an all-around great pick for travelers seeking a resort-style hotel that blends playful design with Western comfort and plenty of amenities.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 May 2026
-
In video of the moment later posted on Tsirkin’s Instagram, she can be seen looking confused while standing on the White House grounds, as the gunshots can be heard going off in the background.—
Escher Walcott,
PEOPLE,
24 May 2026
Interjection
-
But hey, this is a cruel, unusual game.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
15 May 2026
-
And, hey, that’s probably enough.—
Adam Ismail,
The Drive,
14 May 2026
Interjection
-
By Miller’s count, Fiebig had become one of the most prolific shot-stoppers in the state — in part because, well, U-46’s opponents rarely lacked for scoring chances.—
Andrew Carter,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
-
Gerinly Lightweight Floral Travel Scarf Every trip has a place for a scarf—especially one that does, well, basically everything.—
Vanessa L. Powell,
Travel + Leisure,
23 May 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 26 May. 2026.
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