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
  • 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
Definition of reason
Noun
  • Narrowing the superconductivity mystery The result also helps rule out a simple conventional explanation.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Sinéty developed a knack for finding within quotidian domestic and village scenes—a woman brushing her hair, a picnic in the sun—a dreamlike sense of mystery.
    — Felix Bazalgette, The New York Review of Books, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of mystery
Interjection
  • On that occasion, Chelsea rejected PSG’s claims, saying the delay had been caused by a technological issue (no, not a fax machine).
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Spanx, Pistola, and Splendid also have styles for up to 64 percent off — no, that’s not a typo.
    — Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of no
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
Definition of motive
Interjection
  • Other highlights include Billie’s (Lucy Freyer) fixation with feeling young, Julian Manjerico’s return as the absolutely unhinged Zack-Carlos and a brilliant penultimate episode about casual use of the C-word (hey, the British do it).
    — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Or, hey, why not just take advantage of the cheaper hotel rates and airfare while most families are wrapped up at school?
    — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of hey
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
Definition of grounds
Interjection
  • The North Pole cruise is not for everyone…especially those who need frequent off-ship excursions to feel, well, grounded.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Opponents used to start thinking — well, worrying — about Garrett on Mondays, and that continued all the way through Sunday’s game.
    — Zac Jackson, New York Times, 8 Sep. 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 Sep. 2026.

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