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why 1 of 2

interjection

Definition of whynext
as in oh
how surprising, doubtful, or unbelievable why, what a strange thing to say! why, that's not possible!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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why

2 of 2

noun

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of 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
To use this tool requires bravery, vulnerability and honest insights into your why. — Joanna Horton McPherson, Forbes.com, 7 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for why
Recent Examples of Synonyms for why
  1. oh
  2. reason
  3. mystery
  4. no
  5. motive
  6. hey
  7. grounds
  8. well
Interjection
  • Certain movements may aggravate the pain, such as, oh, swinging a golf club.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Some people think, oh, the show’s about true romance, true love conquering it all.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 8 June 2026
Definition of oh
Noun
  • This year’s Emmy Awards opening was sponsored by Marriott Hotels, for some reason.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Many believe that the reason the good opportunities have seemingly disappeared is because the market is too crowded.
    — Justin Donald, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of reason
Noun
  • Narrowing the superconductivity mystery The result also helps rule out a simple conventional explanation.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Sinéty developed a knack for finding within quotidian domestic and village scenes—a woman brushing her hair, a picnic in the sun—a dreamlike sense of mystery.
    — Felix Bazalgette, The New York Review of Books, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of mystery
Interjection
  • On that occasion, Chelsea rejected PSG’s claims, saying the delay had been caused by a technological issue (no, not a fax machine).
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Spanx, Pistola, and Splendid also have styles for up to 64 percent off — no, that’s not a typo.
    — Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of no
Noun
  • For Frankfurt, as for Murdoch, the work of being human involves interrogating the motives and assumptions that guide our actions, asking whether our desires are truly desirable.
    — Meghan O’Gieblyn, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The victim’s name and details of a motive have not been released.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of motive
Interjection
  • Other highlights include Billie’s (Lucy Freyer) fixation with feeling young, Julian Manjerico’s return as the absolutely unhinged Zack-Carlos and a brilliant penultimate episode about casual use of the C-word (hey, the British do it).
    — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Or, hey, why not just take advantage of the cheaper hotel rates and airfare while most families are wrapped up at school?
    — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of hey
Noun
  • Related Stories Some concrete declarations regarding trade were unveiled at the held on the stunning grounds of the Fondation Maeght art foundation and museum complex.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
  • For 45 years, Fiesta Hispana has given generations of Kansas City residents a place to gather around Latino culture, filling its festival grounds with music, dancing, food and traditions representing communities from across Latin America.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of grounds
Interjection
  • Zachary Wigon directs, and Maika Monroe stars as Winifred Notty, a governess who tries and fails not to be a complete, well, psycho in this irreverent, gory horror.
    — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Antonio Williams, Caleb Douglas lead the rookie wideouts As a prospect, the Commanders’ Williams was praised by scouts for his hands and ball-skills, and, well … credit to the scouts.
    — Andy Behrens, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of well

Browse Nearby Words

whups
why
whys
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Cite this Entry

“Why.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/why. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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