hence

adverb

ˈhen(t)s How to pronounce hence (audio)
Definition of hencenext
1
as in therefore
for this or that reason an endangered orchid species, hence illegal to pick

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in away
from this or that place the exorcist commanded, "Get thee hence, Satan!"

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 hence Both sections are expected to eventually land at Starbase — hence twice the number of landings. — Brandon Lingle, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Oct. 2026 Reason being that Mortal Kombat was rated R, and Street Fighter is PG-13, hence there’s an opportunity around the world to bring in families and younger men under 18. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026 In 1932, young Carlos (Milo Quifes) is blackballed — hence the film’s title — from a social club over his sexuality. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026 This sees the geographical locations of the poles change, hence the name 'true polar wander'. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hence
  1. therefore
  2. away
  3. so
  4. down
  5. thus
  6. out
  7. consequently
  8. off
Adverb
  • But the demonstrations could weigh on tourism and therefore tax-free purchases, which account for around 20% of LVMH's revenue in France, Thozet said.
    — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The design therefore seeks to use the wing’s surface more efficiently while relying on aircraft manoeuvres to steer the radar’s coverage.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of therefore
Adverb
  • The White House has grappled with how to address the cost of living ahead of the midterms, which are less than two weeks away.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The party is currently polling at approximately 35% in voter intention surveys ahead of next year’s presidential election — far away the first-place party.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of away
Adverb
  • For a network that is so aware of what is said about it, its first Super Bowl will be shadowed by its broadcasters.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Home ownership doesn’t always mean stability, so consider these factors before deciding whether to rent or buy.
    — Maurie Backman, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of so
Adverb
  • Charlotte was down by 35 points after three quarters, and the entire fourth quarter amounted to garbage time.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
  • But once those bills stop after age 5, the lower rent pulls the long-run totals down sharply.
    — Martie Bowser, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of down
Adverb
  • Vote banks had thus turned into vehicles of collective political assertion.
    — Asim Ali, Time, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Barnes is cold-based, and thus frozen directly onto the bedrock beneath it, which prevents it from sliding.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of thus
Adverb
  • Most people are busy working, busy being parents, busy just being out there juggling.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The Senate hopeful is looking to Obama in shoring up support for the traditionally Democratic demographic and broaden el Sayed’s coalition 10 days out from the midterm elections.
    — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of out
Adverb
  • Five years ago, rates were closer to 3%, feeding into the Covid-era housing boom that saw an explosion in demand and, consequently, prices.
    — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026
  • As the midterm campaign enters its home stretch, Americans’ expenses are rising — and the GOP’s prospects are consequently dimming.
    — Eric Levitz, Vox, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of consequently
Adverb
  • Some malware allows a hacker to turn a victim’s phone into a microphone and video camera, turn the phone on or off, and pull and add files.
    — Matthew Cole, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026
  • For those looking for a day off from hiking, the closest city is Bolzano at the foothills of the mountains, just a 20-minute drive or bus ride from the hotel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of off

Browse Nearby Words

hemstitch
hence
henceforth
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hence. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of milieu

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
different halloween monsters in silhouette
A Monstrous Vocab Quiz Words That Go Bump in the Night
See All