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
-
During pregnancy, common reasons for seeking care include early labor, bleeding, changes in fetal movement, or high blood pressure.—
MemorialCare Medical Group,
Oc Register,
10 Jan. 2026
-
One reason the design concept endures is the sink's functionality within the kitchen's larger scheme.—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In the leadup to its debut, the Apple TV/Sony Pictures Television show has been shrouded in secrecy — a decision that lends itself supremely well to a mystery-box sci-fi thriller that is equal parts philosophical conundrum and blood-chilling horror.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
8 Nov. 2025
-
When the day of the follow-up scan finally arrived, the mystery was solved—not triplets, but twins.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
Interjection
-
The answer to each query was no.—
David K. Li,
NBC news,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Eight California Republicans voted no.—
David Lightman,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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No arrests have been announced, nor have police offered any hints for a motive for the killing.—
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
One person is currently in custody, but details have not been released about the suspect's identity or potential motive.—
Julianna Duennes Russ,
Austin American Statesman,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
DeFoor was set to appear in federal court later Tuesday on federal charges of damaging government property, engaging in physical violence against any person or property in a restricted building or grounds, and assaulting, resisting or impeding federal officers.—
Stephen Sorace,
FOXNews.com,
6 Jan. 2026
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DeFoor also faces federal charges of damaging government property, engaging in physical violence against any person or property in a restricted building or grounds, and assaulting, resisting or impeding federal officers.—
Quinlan Bentley,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Jan. 2026
Interjection
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But, hey, nothing gold can stay — especially across 27 seasons.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Jan. 2026
-
But hey, two billionaire friends are better than one, right?—
StyleCaster Editors,
StyleCaster,
6 Jan. 2026
Interjection
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Ragged Branch Distillery Located in Charlottesville, a town well known for its wine rather than its whiskey, Ragged Branch Distillery is named for nearby Ragged Mountain and its 800-acre home, Pounding Branch Farm.—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
6 Jan. 2026
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Out of concern for further losses, the family plans to sell about 100 remaining calves early — well ahead of the typical February market window.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
6 Jan. 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 12 Jan. 2026.
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