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
Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026
Every character is fully developed and has a why, and every backstory is so rich.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 6 Oct. 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
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
Every character is fully developed and has a why, and every backstory is so rich.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for why
Recent Examples of Synonyms for why
Noun
-
There is no good reason for what just happened over the past six days.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
27 May 2026
-
At this point the Red Sox are in serious danger, and the only reason the club is even within striking distance of a playoff spot is because the rest of the American League has been so poor.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
Britain's Got Talent breakout Susan Boyle has once again teased her stunning makeover for a new mystery project.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 May 2026
-
Like Stranger Things, The Boroughs features a supernatural mystery that is uncovered by a plucky group of underdogs—rather than teenagers, our heroes are a group of retirees who live in the titular retirement home.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Interjection
-
But no, the competition is more elitist than ever.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
-
The vote was six in favor, one vote no and one abstention.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
The motive for the attack is unclear.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2026
-
The bill’s sponsors in Pennsylvania were also concerned about employers’ use of job applicants’ data, which is a common motive for posting ghost job ads.—
Michelle Travis,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
Lush grounds, multiple saltwater swimming pools, a serene spa, wonderful on-property dining, and spacious guestrooms and suites make this an all-around great pick for travelers seeking a resort-style hotel that blends playful design with Western comfort and plenty of amenities.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 May 2026
-
In video of the moment later posted on Tsirkin’s Instagram, she can be seen looking confused while standing on the White House grounds, as the gunshots can be heard going off in the background.—
Escher Walcott,
PEOPLE,
24 May 2026
Interjection
-
Arizona has won 11 games and lost only five since promoting him, which feels significant (but, hey, correlation/causation and whatnot).—
Andy Behrens,
New York Times,
25 May 2026
-
But, hey, at least there was no Hourglass!—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 May 2026
Interjection
-
By Miller’s count, Fiebig had become one of the most prolific shot-stoppers in the state — in part because, well, U-46’s opponents rarely lacked for scoring chances.—
Andrew Carter,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
-
Gerinly Lightweight Floral Travel Scarf Every trip has a place for a scarf—especially one that does, well, basically everything.—
Vanessa L. Powell,
Travel + Leisure,
23 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 31 May. 2026.
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