what

interjection

Definition of whatnext
as in why
how surprising, doubtful, or unbelievable what! I can't believe we won!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for what
  1. why
  2. no
  3. oh
  4. hey
  5. well
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
Definition of why
Interjection
  • And before accepting a bank’s no as the final word, ask someone who works with alternative documentation every day whether the file that failed a tax-return test would pass a bank-statement one.
    — Karen Koehler, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026
  • And no, that really hasn't been able to, in a meaningful way, make up for the premiums, the higher premiums that people are paying as a result of those.
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of no
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
Interjection
  • And if things really go sideways and a QB3 is needed during the season, the Cowboys can have one sit on the practice squad for an emergency — or, hey, Will Grier is still hanging around as an assistant coach, too.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026
  • But hey, there’s room for all — no need to settle on just one.
    — Lyndsey Havens, Billboard, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of hey
Interjection
  • Housing stories in California can leave me feeling, well, depressed.
    — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • And until those practices happen, well, Shanahan isn't ready to pick a starter.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of well
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.

Phrases Containing what

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wharves
what
what's more
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Cite this Entry

“What.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/what. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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