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. no
  2. reason
  3. mystery
  4. hey
  5. motive
  6. well
  7. grounds
  8. gee
Interjection
  • Protect our wallets and keep our community affordable by voting ‘no’ on the Park District bond referendum this November.
    — Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
  • Cushy slides, breezy sundresses, easy two-piece sets, and outfit-making tops are all on sale for $10 or less — and no, that’s not a typo.
    — Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026
Definition of no
Noun
  • The Royals have no reason to give up on their hard-throwing right-hander this season.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
  • Jarvis has established himself as one of the best two-way wingers in the league for that exact reason.
    — Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of reason
Noun
  • The flashbacks this week are also quite thrilling, even if there’s not much to say about them yet, given that what’s happening to the Keene siblings remains shrouded in mystery.
    — Noel Murray, Vulture, 17 July 2026
  • Somewhere in Jeff’s eyes, somewhere in his incredible vulnerability and in his trust, that mystery is opening up.
    — Josh Fox, IndieWire, 17 July 2026
Definition of mystery
Interjection
  • But, hey, there’s always the possibility that AI might steal their job before any of that happens.
    — Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026
  • But hey, YouTube and a cruddy degradation stream can rock too.
    — Liza Lentini, SPIN, 17 July 2026
Definition of hey
Noun
  • That case focused mostly on the details of the knife attack itself; the federal one delves more into questions of motive.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • Whether Villa only wanted to loan Garnacho anyway is unclear, but there’s an obvious motive for not signing him permanently.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of motive
Interjection
  • Now of course, no bedside basket or pouch is complete without a… well, basket or pouch.
    — Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • These extra few practices offered to rookies have rarely felt this important for this defense because, well, it’s been a while since rookies were this important to this defense.
    — Sam McDowell July 22, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
Definition of well
Noun
  • Beauty, wellness and fitness became early proving grounds because their products naturally fit into creators’ everyday content.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 24 July 2026
  • The house, built in 1999, has become one of the show’s most recognizable filming locations, thanks to its expansive grounds and grand interiors.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 July 2026
Definition of grounds
Interjection
  • Oh gee, is that supposed to be me in the video with the goatee?
    — Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • And gee if there were only a very effective way of preventing the measles.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of gee

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 26 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of why for Spanish Speakers

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