whether or not
phrase
1
: without being stopped or affected by something specified
We're going whether or not you decide to come along.
2
a
: if it is or was true that
uncertain whether or not all the options have been explored
b
: if it is or was better
wondered whether or not to include those details
3
archaic
: in any case
"They've only been married a very few weeks, whether or no."—Thomas Hardy
Cite this Entry
“Whether or not.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whether%20or%20not. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.
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