wherefore 1 of 2

adverb

ˈ(h)wer-ˌfȯr How to pronounce wherefore (audio)
Definition of whereforenext
as in therefore
for this or that reason it was getting late, and wherefore we decided to move on

Synonyms & Similar Words

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wherefore

2 of 2

noun

as in reason
something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing demanded to know the whys and wherefores for the decision

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of wherefore
Adverb
The musicians, especially but not exclusively Jerry Garcia, whose death in 1995 only technically ended the Dead, prove remarkably articulate about the why and wherefore of their music and the group mind that created it. — Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
The whole process should be audited to determine the whys and wherefores of the delays and budget increases. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026 But none of those 265 pages of wherefores and whereases on the sports authority website are legally binding. — Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2024 Soccer, though, did not waste time wondering about the whys and wherefores. — Ahmed Al Omran, New York Times, 13 July 2023 The political whys and wherefores are important — and might be left to another piece. — Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 14 May 2023 Julian Fellowes, a master writer who understands so well all the peculiarities of time and place, manners and historical significance of the whys and wherefores of his fictional inhabitants, is to be applauded. — Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wherefore
  1. therefore
  2. reason
  3. so
  4. why
  5. thus
  6. motive
  7. grounds
Adverb
  • The challenge for China is therefore moving beyond simply building alternatives to Nvidia.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Their respective value, therefore, cannot be judged on transfer fee, with their presence in the squad far outweighing that.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of therefore
Noun
  • These groups that are coming here are coming for one reason, and that is to provoke a reaction and generate attention.
    — Heath Kalb, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The suit maintains that the commission’s denial does not identify any adverse impact to a wetland function or value, nor any feasible and prudent alternatives to address the Commission’s reasons for denial, in violation of state law, Conn.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of reason
Adverb
  • In doing so, the plaintiffs argued, the OCC is acting beyond the powers given to the agency.
    — P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The man, wearing blue jeans, a black T-shirt and a pink hat, initially dropped the hammer when told to do so by the officers.
    — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of so
Noun
  • To use this tool requires bravery, vulnerability and honest insights into your why.
    — Joanna Horton McPherson, Forbes.com, 7 May 2026
  • Searching for a reason The time since, with no other winners in the city, has left plenty of room for those in the business to guess at a why.
    — Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026
Definition of why
Adverb
  • That’s leading to more curtailment of solar production during peak hours, and thus a waste of resources.
    — Akshat Rathi, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The department argued that several Connecticut laws conflict with the federal statute and thus are unconstitutional under the Constitution’s supremacy clause.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of thus
Noun
  • Investigators determined that Matute, aka Paguada Paguada, knew the two victims, but the motive for the shooting is still unclear.
    — Briauna Brown, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Rahmani said Nick’s interactions with guests at the party could be used as evidence of motive.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of motive
Noun
  • Immediately after his plea, Mangione’s lawyers filed paperwork seeking to have the state case thrown out on double jeopardy grounds.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • State prosecutors have accused Mangione’s lawyers of trying to get that case thrown out on double jeopardy grounds under New York State law, which says a defendant can’t be tried twice for the same crime.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of grounds

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“Wherefore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wherefore. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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