somewhat

1 of 2

pronoun

some·​what ˈsəm-ˌ(h)wət How to pronounce somewhat (audio)
ˈsəm-ˌ(h)wät, 
(ˌ)səm-ˈ(h)wət, 
(ˌ)səm-ˈ(h)wät
Synonyms of somewhatnext
: something

somewhat

2 of 2

adverb

: in some degree or measure : slightly

Synonyms of somewhat

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Adverb

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Examples of somewhat in a Sentence

Adverb He felt somewhat awkward in his suit. Our work has progressed somewhat. The course is somewhat more difficult than I was told it would be.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adverb
By the end of the fight, an enthralling contest which Taylor won by a somewhat wide 27 points to 3, the crowd was on their feet. — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026 It was not favored by critics, although Scream fans remain somewhat loyal. — Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sep. 2026 The term refers to the three gospels that present the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus in a somewhat similar fashion. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2026 Apple’s role in the private markets has been somewhat muted in the AI era. — Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for somewhat

Word History

First Known Use

Pronoun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of somewhat was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing somewhat

Rhymes for somewhat

See All Rhymes for somewhat

Browse Nearby Words

someway
somewhat
somewhat of
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Somewhat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/somewhat. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

somewhat

1 of 2 pronoun
some·​what ˈsəm-ˌ(h)wät How to pronounce somewhat (audio)
-ˌ(h)wət;
(ˌ)səm-ˈ(h)wät, 
-ˈ(h)wət
: some unspecified part or amount : something
somewhat of what you say is true

somewhat

2 of 2 adverb
: in some measure : slightly
somewhat comfortable
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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