why 1 of 2

interjection

Definition of whynext
as in oh
how surprising, doubtful, or unbelievable why, what a strange thing to say! why, that's not possible!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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why

2 of 2

noun

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

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 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
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, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for why
Recent Examples of Synonyms for why
  1. oh
  2. reason
  3. mystery
  4. no
  5. motive
  6. hey
  7. grounds
  8. well
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
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
Noun
  • The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is about to launch on an incredible adventure to help scientists explore the great mysteries of the universe.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Why the Central African Republic agreed to accept migrants from the US is still something of a mystery.
    — Mick Krever, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of mystery
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
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
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
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
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

Browse Nearby Words

whups
why
whys
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Cite this Entry

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

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