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
Zoya Hasan, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
The why: Has top-of-rotation skills and potential, is healthy and — unlike most other starters — won’t be subject to much in the way of workload restrictions.
—Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 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
Build your own opportunities, document your journey, and stay rooted in your why.
—Zoya Hasan, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
The why: Has top-of-rotation skills and potential, is healthy and — unlike most other starters — won’t be subject to much in the way of workload restrictions.
—Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for why
Recent Examples of Synonyms for why
Noun
-
The Today with Jenna & Friends co-host credited her sister as the reason for many of her successes, including her role as a television host.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
-
The Raptors’ 34-11 advantage in fast-break points was the biggest reason for that.—
Eric Koreen,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In the forties, exactly how the body dealt with starvation remained a mystery.—
Clayton Dalton,
New Yorker,
18 Oct. 2025
-
At this time, Mone's mystery opponent has not been listed internally.—
Fernando Quiles Jr,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
Interjection
-
But no, for all the talk of taking their game to all four corners of the world, football’s expansionists and modern-day conquistadores seem to have a strangely narrow worldview.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
-
The man who gave us Sherlock Holmes knows a lot about theft—artsy, or no.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Her motive for abandoning her daughter is unclear at this time.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
-
King’s defense attorneys Matt Smid and Mark Daniel say that Good’s motives are political.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Police said the case is pending and may be grounds for additional charges and university disciplinary action.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
20 Oct. 2025
-
So, the King wanting them out of palace grounds makes sense, as that could solve two problems.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
20 Oct. 2025
Interjection
-
But just kind of spreading that message that, hey, that whole golden rule thing.—
Kailey Schuyler,
FOXNews.com,
22 Oct. 2025
-
These are probably in the long-shot category, but hey, Hollywood loves a twist.—
Dan Heching,
CNN Money,
22 Oct. 2025
Interjection
-
Experts recommend no more than 2 tablespoons of apple cider daily, well diluted in water.—
MD Published,
Verywell Health,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Kinahan was in fact well known to duBoef, who apparently enjoyed the Irishman’s sinister reputation.—
Ed Caesar,
New Yorker,
20 Oct. 2025
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 24 Oct. 2025.
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