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

somewhat

2 of 2

adverb

: in some degree or measure : slightly

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
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Adverb
However, the deep seat depth compensates somewhat for the low profile—I’ve spent many a weekend curled up on the couch reading a book with no issue. Lauren Arzbaecher, Architectural Digest, 25 Apr. 2025 Fund flow data suggests European investors drove the selling, while market participants from other international regions remained somewhat positive on U.S. equities. Alex Harring, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025 Considering that Pope Francis chose some 110 of the cardinals who will be electing his successor over the past decade, many expect the conclave to reflect his view of a more inclusive Church and pick a somewhat liberal pontiff. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025 The game itself might’ve been somewhat underwhelming, but Capcom was far from done. Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Somewhat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/somewhat. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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

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