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

Relevance

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
  • Here, Benavidez Clayton dives into the reasons behind BCI’s regenerative push, why social impact is a critical piece of the puzzle and how brands can get involved.
    — SJ Studio, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival is a treasure, and a public good Arkansans have reason to support.
    — Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of reason
Noun
  • To get to the bottom of the mystery of the article’s spurious dating, Cade and a team of researchers from around the globe sifted through historic reports and observations of geomagnetic activity to set the record straight.
    — Mike McRae October 15, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
  • In the first, a best-selling mystery author dies, and Benoit Blanc, a charismatic and inquisitive private eye played by Daniel Craig, must investigate.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of mystery
Interjection
  • When opportunities arose to expand into other sporting goods, other mechanical components, other markets entirely, the answer was consistently no.
    — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Seeing the social media reaction to Murphy's absurdist comments, the answer to that is, of course, no because underdog narratives, no matter how fake, are still immensely popular.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of no
Noun
  • But boycotts are generally scrutinized when they are pursued for economic motives, Baer said, while speech is a different matter.
    — Miriam Waldvogel, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The motives and genres are changing, but the tech-founder movies and TV shows continue apace.
    — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of motive
Interjection
  • Like, hey, here is Match Window 14, and here are the fixtures for that match week.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026
  • There are no dates or prices available for the USA at this point, but hey, there's always the 675SS, which now sells for an equally outrageous US$7,499.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of hey
Noun
  • Just like their first Beverly Hills abode, the home was complete with resort-like grounds.
    — Juliana Ukiomogbe, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026
  • In contrast, peregrine falcons that breed in Alaska migrate almost directly south, dispersing across the Americas to wintering grounds that extend as far as southern South America.
    — Amy L. Scarpignato, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of grounds
Interjection
  • The messages, scribbled on whatever scrap of paper a sender could find, often featured misspellings and shaky penmanship; many older residents of rural areas did not know how to read or write well, if at all.
    — Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The Chiefs hold the best record in the AFC, which will be true for, well, at least a couple of weeks.
    — Sam McDowell October 12, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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