what

interjection

Definition of whatnext
as in why
how surprising, doubtful, or unbelievable what! I can't believe we won!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for what
  1. why
  2. no
  3. oh
  4. hey
  5. well
Interjection
  • Why, oh why, do the Rangers keep throwing away almost certain victories in the final minutes of playoff games?
    — FILIP BONDY, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2017
Definition of why
Interjection
  • And before accepting a bank’s no as the final word, ask someone who works with alternative documentation every day whether the file that failed a tax-return test would pass a bank-statement one.
    — Karen Koehler, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026
  • And no, that really hasn't been able to, in a meaningful way, make up for the premiums, the higher premiums that people are paying as a result of those.
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of no
Interjection
  • Certain movements may aggravate the pain, such as, oh, swinging a golf club.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Some people think, oh, the show’s about true romance, true love conquering it all.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 8 June 2026
Definition of oh
Interjection
  • And if things really go sideways and a QB3 is needed during the season, the Cowboys can have one sit on the practice squad for an emergency — or, hey, Will Grier is still hanging around as an assistant coach, too.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026
  • But hey, there’s room for all — no need to settle on just one.
    — Lyndsey Havens, Billboard, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of hey
Interjection
  • That was a concept that came from one of our artists in the region who said, OK, well, if there’s been centuries of battles between an evil jinn faction and humanity, perhaps some pieces of them would still remain in the world?
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Season five focuses on the calm before the storm — well, as calm as MomTok can be.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of well
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.

Phrases Containing what

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wharves
what
what's more
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Cite this Entry

“What.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/what. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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