Thesaurus
Synonyms of why
(Entry 1 of 2)
how surprising, doubtful, or unbelievable
- why, what a strange thing to say!
- why, that's not possible!
Synonyms for why
Words Related to why
why
nounSynonyms of why (Entry 2 of 2)
1
something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing
- asked the whys behind the surprising decision
Synonyms for why
Words Related to why
2
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 for why
Words Related to why
- brainteaser,
- case,
- challenge,
- knot,
- matter,
- perplexity,
- poser,
- problem,
- stumper,
- trouble
Keep scrolling for more
Learn More about why
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on why
What made you want to look up why? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
- What is an earlier meaning of nice?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Spell words. Make bears.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
Do you know these earlier meanings of words?
Take the quiz - Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quiz - How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
Take the quiz - Play the game
Share why
Time Traveler for why
The first known use of why was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century