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.
The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise, which began on Monday, was due to run for 10 days, but will now end on Friday August 21, the militaries of both nations said. Gawon Bae, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026 That is due to expire next summer, although Arsenal hold an option for an extra year. James McNicholas, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026 The trial was originally set to test the drug on 300 people, but due to demand from trial investigators to include more of their patients, the researchers expanded the pool of participants to 350. New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026 Target hiked its full fiscal-year outlook, due to both stronger sales trends and the one-time boost to its bottom line. Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 19 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 23 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

due to

preposition
: because of

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