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
  • 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
  • The Sox’s pitching plans are a daily mystery, and worries over Grant Taylor’s right arm falling off have become nightly debates in South Side bars.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Lucy’s constant sense of invention sometimes falters under the album’s new, megawatt spotlight, lacking the enticing mystery that gives their best music its power.
    — H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of mystery
Interjection
  • But when Disney offered 13-year-old Jason Weaver $2 million to sing as young Simba in The Lion King—his mom told them no.
    — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
  • But no, 22-year-old journalists are not making assistant-hiring money.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 9 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
  • But hey, isn’t that what new business ventures are supposed to do in Silicon Valley?
    — Noel Murray, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
  • But hey, the good news for White Sox fans is that the team has another opportunity to bring out a complete nobody to throw the first pitch for game four on Thursday night.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of hey
Noun
  • Until a 1917 church law was revised in 1983, those who died by suicide were denied Catholic burials on consecrated grounds.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
  • China is pushing for the EU to stop blocking its imports of advanced computer chipmaking machines, restrictions imposed on national security grounds at Washington's behest.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 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 13 Oct. 2026.

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