due to

preposition

Synonyms of due tonext
: as a result of : because of
due to the complaints of uptight parents … he lost his job …Herbert Gold
Using Due to: Usage Guide

The objection to due to as a preposition is only a continuation of disagreements that began in the 18th century over the proper uses of owing and due. Due to is as grammatically sound as owing to, which is frequently recommended in its place. It has been and is used by reputable writers and has been recognized as standard for decades. There is no solid reason to avoid due to.

Examples of due to in a Sentence

evening classes were cancelled due to heavy snow
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Both Kiggans and Luria come from military backgrounds, which could be a boost, given that the seat has a large veteran population due to nearby Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base. Sophia Mandt, The Washington Examiner, 5 Aug. 2026 Across Europe, other historic objects have also been revealed this summer due to the record-breaking heat and crippling droughts hitting the continent’s waterways. Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026 Crepe myrtles may not bloom due to poor pruning, low light, watering issues, weak soil, or pests. Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026 Then the Falcons released third-string quarterback Trevor Siemian due to an injury. Josh Kendall, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for due to

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of due to was in 1897

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Due to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/due%20to. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

due to

preposition
: because of

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