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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wherefore
  1. therefore
  2. reason
  3. so
  4. why
  5. thus
  6. motive
  7. grounds
Adverb
  • Indeed, in the high temperatures of the solar corona it had been thought that dust could not survive for very long and would therefore have no impact.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 7 July 2026
  • The Vatican said the consecrations, carried out without the pope’s approval and therefore in conflict with Catholic law, constituted a schismatic act that severed the society’s communion with Rome.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026
Definition of therefore
Noun
  • But this also is among the reasons her books are considered must-reads in the classroom, and contemporary classics.
    — Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers made headlines in 2025 for a number of reasons.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of reason
Adverb
  • Valentine also testified that the FDA encourages infant formula companies to send in all adverse event reports and that nothing prevented Mead Johnson from doing so.
    — David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • The World Cup brings fans from around the world together and on game day, so does public transportation.
    — Kenny Choi, CBS News, 2 July 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
  • The greater the mass, the more extreme the warping and thus the greater the force of gravity.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 July 2026
  • On Monday, The Athletic reported that Henderson will require surgery for his wrist and is thus expected to play no further part in the tournament.
    — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 6 July 2026
Definition of thus
Noun
  • Regardless of motive, the proposals that have come out of MLB’s New York headquarters have been vast and aggressive, and have landed with a thud in both clubhouses around the league, and with people who cover the sport for a living.
    — Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • At the time, Igbinijesu's family said investigators told them the shooting appeared to be targeted, but police did not publicly disclose a possible motive.
    — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of motive
Noun
  • If using grounds, apply in 1 to 2-inch deep layers and make sure the coffee is spread in an unbroken line so slugs and snails won’t cross it.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 3 July 2026
  • Set on nearly three acres, the approximately 6,100-square-foot residence featured six bedrooms and seven bathrooms, along with a semicircular living room, marble floors, and lush grounds anchored by a pool and loggia.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 3 July 2026
Definition of grounds

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“Wherefore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wherefore. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of wherefore for Spanish Speakers

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