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
Synonyms of somewhatnext
: something

somewhat

2 of 2

adverb

: in some degree or measure : slightly

Synonyms of somewhat

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Adverb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
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.
Adverb
If that remains the case, the Dodgers must ask themselves if Ohtani is more valuable as a somewhat two-way player? — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 An April Pew Research Center study found that 80% of Democratic-leaning voters held somewhat or very unfavorable views of Israel. — Shauna Muckle, Miami Herald, 2 Aug. 2026 Because the numbers were somewhat predictable, people could often estimate where someone obtained their SSN and, in some cases, narrow down when it was issued. — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 The lower gravity might make that somewhat less intimidating, but the waves will also move more slowly as well, feeling downright eerie compared with Earth’s. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 31 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing somewhat

Rhymes for somewhat

See All Rhymes for somewhat

Browse Nearby Words

someway
somewhat
somewhat of
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Somewhat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/somewhat. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on somewhat

Nglish: Translation of somewhat for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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