as in oh
how surprising, doubtful, or unbelievable
why, what a strange thing to say! why, that's not possible!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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Recent Examples of why
Filip Bondy,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2017
See All Example Sentences for why
Interjection
Why, oh why, do the Rangers keep throwing away almost certain victories in the final minutes of playoff games?
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Filip Bondy,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2017
See All Example Sentences for why
Recent Examples of Synonyms for why
Interjection
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Oh no, Armand’s got his spindly roots in the band!
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Zay, David Veleta and David Ziegner supported the increase, while commissioner Bob Deig voted no.
Noun
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But this also is among the reasons her books are considered must-reads in the classroom, and contemporary classics.
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The Los Angeles Dodgers made headlines in 2025 for a number of reasons.
Noun
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The aesthetic details of what will happen beyond the loading docks have been shrouded in mystery.
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Now, the historical society hopes community members hold the final missing pieces to the mystery.
Interjection
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And hey, there are plenty of July 4 episodes to pre-game, pair with, or distract from your social obligations.
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But, hey, everyone has an off night.
Noun
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Regardless of motive, the proposals that have come out of MLB’s New York headquarters have been vast and aggressive, and have landed with a thud in both clubhouses around the league, and with people who cover the sport for a living.
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At the time, Igbinijesu's family said investigators told them the shooting appeared to be targeted, but police did not publicly disclose a possible motive.
Interjection
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Even those who might play mostly digital recognize the anti-consumer nature of the change, which doesn’t benefit players in the least and is only upside for Sony (well, minus the reputational blow).
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And with significantly more cap space than talent, well … mistakes were made.
Noun
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If using grounds, apply in 1 to 2-inch deep layers and make sure the coffee is spread in an unbroken line so slugs and snails won’t cross it.
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Set on nearly three acres, the approximately 6,100-square-foot residence featured six bedrooms and seven bathrooms, along with a semicircular living room, marble floors, and lush grounds anchored by a pool and loggia.
Interjection
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Oh gee, is that supposed to be me in the video with the goatee?
Cite this Entry
“Why.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/why. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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