as in oh
how surprising, doubtful, or unbelievable
why, what a strange thing to say! why, that's not possible!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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Recent Examples of why
Filip Bondy,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2017
See All Example Sentences for 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
See All Example Sentences for why
Recent Examples of Synonyms for why
Interjection
-
Oh no, Armand’s got his spindly roots in the band!
-
Zay, David Veleta and David Ziegner supported the increase, while commissioner Bob Deig voted no.
Noun
-
There are good reasons to do so again, though as contenders acquiring young talent is not a necessity for the Pacers.
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However, Gen Zers also cited reasons for not finding such meaning.
Noun
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The delightful and deceptively deep family mystery comedy stars Hugh Jackman as an English shepherd (Hugh Jackman) who is found dead.
-
Exactly what to expect from Toney, who most received the title of EA Sports College Football 27 cover athlete, remains a bit of mystery.
Interjection
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But, again, compared to a halfway decent gym or, hey, one of Equinox’s $40,000 a year memberships, even pricey adjustable dumbbells can feel like an absolute bargain.
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But hey, the factory workers do finally get their pizza party during the credits!
Noun
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Authorities have not announced a possible motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.
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Police said the motive and circumstances surrounding the episode are under investigation.
Interjection
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With the trucks, at least, the administration has been able to take its preferred version of the American story on the road, where history is more, well, movable.
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For whatever reason, sneakers that can handle 20,000 steps tend to be, well, ugly.
Noun
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And whereas Fischer described without judgment the family patterns, social customs, and religious lineage of his four groups, Reynolds contrasts his two on ideological and ultimately moral grounds.
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Aberdeen Proving Grounds are, in effect, Akehurst’s grounds to care for.
Interjection
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Oh gee, is that supposed to be me in the video with the goatee?
Cite this Entry
“Why.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/why. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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