Synonyms for why
- adverb
Most common
Definitions
- adv. 1
For what cause, reason, or purpose. Introducing a complete question.
I don’t know why he did that.
Related words
- Phrases
- why not for why why come because is why thirteenth reason why
- Other spellings
- wye
Example sentences
- wherefore O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| why | rising | |
| wherefore | steady |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 9 letters
- wherefore2
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (wherefore2 = 2 syllables).