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
-
Voters also tend to lean more nationalist and conservative during economic downturns, said Hajime Kidera, a professor at Meiji University’s School of Political Science and Economics – which is one reason Abe was so popular during the post-recession early 2010s.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
-
The executive branch does not normally use the shutdown as a reason for layoffs.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The prolonged legal proceedings moved about 100 miles northeast to Kenton County because the mystery surrounding Brenda Sue Schaefer's death had become a high-profile case in Louisville.—
Leo Bertucci,
Louisville Courier Journal,
4 Oct. 2025
-
According to Srebnick’s book, the newspapers at the time breathlessly reported her safe return, but the incident fed public speculation about the mysteries of her private life.—
Christina Coulter,
PEOPLE,
4 Oct. 2025
Interjection
-
Told no at every turn, Stallone bets everything on himself, holding the line on playing the lead against seemingly impossible odds.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Every single one of those views came after Hollywood told him no.—
Essence,
Essence,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Authorities have arrested Douglas Irwin Shaw, 41, on suspicion of murder, though the Vallejo Police Department has not declared a motive or clarified whether the two knew each other.—
Anders Hagstrom,
FOXNews.com,
2 Oct. 2025
-
As police investigate the motive for the deadly shooting attack, metro Detroit law enforcement is stepping up security at houses of worship.—
Frank Witsil,
Freep.com,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Around a dozen people stood beside the sidewalk in front of the church grounds.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Supreme Court denies Ghislaine Maxwell's appeal The Supreme Court has declined to take up the appeal of Ghislaine Maxwell, who was contesting her prosecution and conviction on grounds that the government had violated a non-prosecution agreement made with Jeffrey Epstein before his death.—
Devin Dwyer,
ABC News,
6 Oct. 2025
Interjection
-
The rules changed completely four years ago, and hey, look at that, Alabama and Georgia are gettable.—
Stewart Mandel,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
-
But hey, whiskey nerds are gonna whiskey nerd and whiskey sellers are gonna gouge.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
28 Sep. 2025
Interjection
-
BunMo Beechwood Infinity Cube Fidget Toy This fidget cube is incredibly satisfying to, well, fidget with!—
Anja Webb,
Parents,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Allwood Timberline Cabin Tiny House Tiny houses are known for, well, being tiny, but the Allwood Timberline house features 483 square feet of room that can be fully customized to your liking.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
6 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 8 Oct. 2025.
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