1
as in reasons
something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing
asked the whys behind the surprising decision
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in mysteries
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whys
Noun
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Due process requires a commitment to the reasons punishment is sought and thus allows those reasons to be addressed and countered.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
23 Oct. 2025 -
Advertisers still crave the broad, simultaneous viewership such extravaganzas generate, and marketers that in the past might not have spent heavily on sports now see new reasons to do so.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Sign up for Being Human, our newsletter that explores wellness culture, human behavior, mortality and disease, and other mysteries of the body and the mind.—
Helen Ouyang,
The Atlantic,
21 Oct. 2025
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All these small pleasures that most children know are still mysteries to her.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Other popular motives include pursuing adventure and personal growth, seeking a better lifestyle, and a place to retire.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
20 Oct. 2025
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Many protesters were especially angered by attacks on their motives.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
18 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Whys.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whys. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
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