how 1 of 2

adverb

ˈhau̇ How to pronounce how (audio)
Definition of hownext
as in where
in what manner or way how and where did you meet each other? if you show me precisely how this is confusing, I would be happy to explain

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

how

2 of 2

noun

as in method
the means or procedure for doing something the environmental activist eagerly launched into an explanation of the hows and whys of developing renewable energy sources

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 how
Adverb
The framework used for this year’s pilot course, which was distributed last summer, included an examination of intersectionality, which considers how different identities combine to impact someone’s experience - such as being Black and female. — Laura Meckler, Anchorage Daily News, 10 Feb. 2023 The show aims to continue Hagendorf’s mission of bridging the gap between artists and fans sharing inspiring stories, with musicians and non-musician guests discussing how music has influenced their lives. — Michele Amabile Angermiller, Variety, 10 Feb. 2023 At the event, Henningsen will discuss the six motivations people principally have when flirting and share how the nature of flirting creates the potential for miscommunication, organizers said. — Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2023 And how would an educational institution enforce a ChatGPT ban? — John Villasenor, Scientific American, 10 Feb. 2023 See All Example Sentences for how
Recent Examples of Synonyms for how
  1. where
  2. method
  3. approach
  4. way
  5. strategy
  6. methodology
  7. technique
  8. manner
Adverb
  • The money-where-his-mouth-is progressive has been a constant contributor to Democrats over the years like Joe Biden, Gavin Newsom and Barack Obama.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Money poured in from as far away as Singapore, Taiwan and Australia, according to a class-action lawsuit filed in July against Wells Fargo, where Beasley had an attorney trust account to hold and disburse client money.
    — Lizzie Johnson, Anchorage Daily News, 5 Feb. 2023
Definition of where
Noun
  • Buyers are already putting money behind methods that remain difficult for outsiders to assess.
    — Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • At the time, the team utilized a different error-correction method called Helix to demonstrate record-setting logical memory and computation.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of method
Noun
  • Proposals include limiting justices’ active service through legislation—an approach whose constitutionality is disputed—or through a constitutional amendment.
    — Connor Greene, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Back at the hotel, Vision boots up his head-laser when Paladin’s drone approaches.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of approach
Noun
  • There are few households in Israel that haven’t been affected in some way by the events that have played out since, leaving a sense of profound grief and insecurity that lingers across the Israeli society.
    — Yarden Segev, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The second-year fifth-round pick started at the MIKE spot and handled green-dot responsibilities on his way to recording six tackles and being active throughout the night.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of way
Noun
  • The agreement came after the EU unveiled a new Arctic strategy aimed at countering growing Russian and Chinese influence in the region.
    — Lee Ying Shan,Matthew Tan, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Its faster trial infrastructure, its more integrated translational pathways, and its willingness to link industrial strategy to health delivery hold lessons for governments around the world.
    — Ruby Wang, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of strategy
Noun
  • To be sure, odds and gambling platforms do not use methodologies used by traditional political polling, and therefore are not substitutes for political polls.
    — Fred Imbert, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The platform’s methodology says those years do not represent separate annual snapshots.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of methodology
Noun
  • Animal health researchers are using related techniques to inoculate poultry against bird flu and cattle against foot-and-mouth disease.
    — Robert Kelly, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The dot-and-blend technique, step by step The method is surprisingly simple.
    — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of technique
Noun
  • Containerized units support flexible replacement The batteries’ containerized format allows them to be handled and stowed in the same manner as standard cargo containers.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Jeon is marvelous in the role, allowing flashes of envy, resentment, and longing to surface beneath Mi-ok’s cheerful, accommodating manner without diminishing her warmth or loyalty.
    — Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of manner

Browse Nearby Words

hovers (over)
how
howbeit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“How.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/how. 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