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
The order of events in the Weeks recusal was somewhat unusual. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2026 The back seat was somewhat compromised in headroom and legroom (and torso room, thanks to a giant center console), but the car’s curves more than made up for its flaws—at least, from the driver’s seat. — Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2026 Similarly, this episode is, somewhat slyly, more about partnerships than prediction markets. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026 Wu noted that the predictability of the timeframe surrounding flu season has been somewhat thrown off by COVID-19. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 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
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