wherefore 1 of 2

adverb

ˈ(h)wer-ˌfȯr How to pronounce wherefore (audio)
Definition of whereforenext
as in therefore
for this or that reason it was getting late, and wherefore we decided to move on

Synonyms & Similar Words

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wherefore

2 of 2

noun

as in reason
something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing demanded to know the whys and wherefores for the decision

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 wherefore
Adverb
The musicians, especially but not exclusively Jerry Garcia, whose death in 1995 only technically ended the Dead, prove remarkably articulate about the why and wherefore of their music and the group mind that created it. — Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
The whole process should be audited to determine the whys and wherefores of the delays and budget increases. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026 But none of those 265 pages of wherefores and whereases on the sports authority website are legally binding. — Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2024 Soccer, though, did not waste time wondering about the whys and wherefores. — Ahmed Al Omran, New York Times, 13 July 2023 The political whys and wherefores are important — and might be left to another piece. — Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 14 May 2023 Julian Fellowes, a master writer who understands so well all the peculiarities of time and place, manners and historical significance of the whys and wherefores of his fictional inhabitants, is to be applauded. — Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wherefore
  1. therefore
  2. reason
  3. so
  4. why
  5. thus
  6. motive
  7. grounds
Adverb
  • The hijab, as one of the most visible markers of Muslim faith, could therefore be treated not simply as religious dress but as evidence that a Muslim woman was aligned with a foreign power.
    — Asma Uddin, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Drops that fell directly onto the target without sliding first (and therefore carried no charge) left the surface pristine after the same 3,000 impacts.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of therefore
Noun
  • After wrapping up its longest monthly losing streak on Wall Street in more than a decade, Google has started September by giving investors several reasons for optimism.
    — MacKenzie Sigalos,Drew Troast, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Another company might have seen the same 20% decline for entirely different reasons.
    — James Fratzke, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of reason
Adverb
  • There’s so little cohesion from week to week that last episode’s dramatic cliffhanger — Susan in handcuffs after Rhonda accuses her of kidnapping — is brushed off in an aside in the opening scene.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • While most of us are capable of lifting weights or heading outside for a brisk walk each day, not everyone is so fortunate, leading researchers to consider other ways to encourage muscles to produce plenty of hormones.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of so
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, Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026
Definition of why
Adverb
  • Part of a sumo’s training involves massive calorie consumption to become as sizable as possible and thus very hard to move in the ring.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The Warren Court’s relative respect for federal laws was thus noticeable but not startling.
    — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of thus
Noun
  • In her detective series, under the pen name Amanda Cross, an English professor solves murders whose motives include bad psychoanalysis, student riots, and biographers who know too much for their own good.
    — Merve Emre, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Richard Novak, another defense attorney, then argued texts Robinson allegedly sent to Twiggs, discussing a rifle, possible motive and other details on the planning surrounding the event are expected to be key evidence in the state’s case.
    — Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of motive
Noun
  • What to do nearby Taking an afternoon away from the resort grounds to explore what the surrounding area has to offer is a great way to enrich the all-inclusive experience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Europe spent two years interdicting on sanctions grounds and found the tool blunt.
    — Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of grounds

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Cite this Entry

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

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