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
Keith Phipps, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
Build your own opportunities, document your journey, and stay rooted in your why.
—Zoya Hasan, Forbes.com, 23 May 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
Every character is fully developed and has a why, and every backstory is so rich.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
Build your own opportunities, document your journey, and stay rooted in your why.
—Zoya Hasan, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for why
Recent Examples of Synonyms for why
Noun
-
While Miller and his colleagues note in their study that past efforts to convince gun-owning households with kids to safely store their firearms haven't succeeded, Sathya sees reasons to be optimistic in his own health system.—
Rhitu Chatterjee,
NPR,
12 May 2026
-
This is one reason why a partner of someone with avoidant attachment may perceive their partner as emotionally unavailable, overly self-sufficient, detached or distant or resistant to commitment.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
12 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, no, the focus won’t be on the Gem State’s rapid population growth.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
13 May 2026
-
The bill split Republican leadership, with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) voting no, whereas Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) and Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) voted yes.—
Hailey Bullis,
The Washington Examiner,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
She was criticized publicly by some colleagues as well anonymous government officials who were quoted in Israeli and international media questioning her motives.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
12 May 2026
-
Officers have not released a motive.—
CBS News Atlanta Digital Team,
CBS News,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Keep in mind, if your soil is already acidic, you should be set for some blue blooms–even without an acid-boosting mix-in like coffee grounds.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
9 May 2026
-
Head out on a fishing charter Floridian Captain Wayne Senteno of Jax Fishing Charters knows the inshore fishing grounds and offshore hot spots in this part of Florida like the inside of his tackle box.—
Terry Ward,
Travel + Leisure,
9 May 2026
Interjection
-
If not, hey, everything happens that’s supposed to happen.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
8 May 2026
-
Lively and Baldoni could have made a couple of sequels instead of paying lawyers, but hey, everybody has their own idea of fun.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
8 May 2026
Interjection
-
And some, well — some need a Peloton.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
10 May 2026
-
On another occasion out for a meal with friends in NYC, Swift embraced her most bridal look yet, wearing a black spaghetti strap tank top from the The Row paired with an ivory silk maxi skirt from Meshki—well, very bridal, but also very Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.—
Irene Kim,
Vogue,
8 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 17 May. 2026.
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