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
  • 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
Noun
  • For next year’s admissions, institutions would have to publish more detailed selection criteria and explain rejections when applicants request reasons.
    — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • For that reason, Republicans believe the seat is a likely pickup this fall in what is otherwise a difficult midterm environment.
    — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of reason
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
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
  • 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
Noun
  • No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack; the attackers’ motive remained unknown.
    — Omar Akour, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Detectives are working to determine a motive and identify the shooter.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of motive
Noun
  • The column warns that the disputes could extend beyond the election, potentially providing grounds to challenge results or undermine their legitimacy.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The park is just part of a 247-acre property, owned by Ada County, that also hosts the Western Idaho Fair grounds and the Boise Hawks baseball stadium.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of grounds

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Cite this Entry

“Wherefore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wherefore. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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