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
  • Requiring personnel to document a legitimate law-enforcement reason and associated case number before conducting a license-plate search.
    — Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The intense interest in the case is one reason why her lawyers are pushing for a retrial – the town was so crowded that at one stage jury members shared a hotel with the prosecution team and an informant.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of reason
Noun
  • The two started off as enemies as Judy joined the Zootopia Police Department, but then put aside their differences to solve a mystery in the animal city.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Magic super-rings that can transform thoughts into solid green objects in order to fight crime and solve mysteries.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of mystery
Interjection
  • This is lunch à la Provençale; expect a multi-course meal with pauses between courses (no, the service isn't slow).
    — Lanie Goodman, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • My answer was no, but only after looking closely at Henderson.
    — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of no
Noun
  • Her motive wasn’t a major part of the trial, but evidence presented by the prosecution suggested her relationship with her in-laws had deteriorated.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Suspicious and revelatory, today’s moon in Scorpio is deeply attuned to hidden motives, subtext and all that is lingering beneath the surface.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of motive
Interjection
  • And hey, if the superstar was feeling a little low, what better pick-me-up than karaoke with Chrissie Hynde or a heart-to-heart in the ladies’ with ennui expert Lena Dunham?
    — Ben Jureidini, Vanity Fair, 15 Aug. 2026
  • And hey, brands like Jif, Rao's, and Barilla are classics for a reason—they're good.
    — Editors of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of hey
Noun
  • Works by major international artists (Tschabalala Self, Francesco Clemente, Chantal Joffe) sit alongside Greek artists (Vasilis Papageorgiou, Kostas Paniaras, Sofia Mitsola) and commissions created on site, scattered through the hotel and grounds.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The students and their attorneys appeared in federal court on Wednesday for a hearing in their lawsuit challenging FIU's actions on First Amendment grounds.
    — Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of grounds
Interjection
  • Getty Images As wildfires sweep Europe and North America, falsehoods about their causes and the nature of climate change are spreading like, well, wildfire.
    — David Vetter, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • What especially stayed with my classmates and me was, well, us.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of well

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Why.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/why. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of why for Spanish Speakers

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