Definitions

because

[bih-kawz, -koz, -kuhz] / bɪˈkɔz, -ˈkɒz, -ˈkʌz /

CONJUNCTION

on account of

Synonyms

WEAK

as as a result of as long as as things go being by cause of by reason of by virtue of considering due to for for the reason that for the sake of in as much as in behalf of in that in the interest of in view of now that on the grounds that over owing to seeing since thanks to through whereas

PREPOSITION

on account of

Synonyms

WEAK

as being by cause of by reason of by virtue of considering due to for for the reason that for the sake of in as much as in behalf of in that in the interest of in view of now that on the grounds that over owing to seeing since thanks to through whereas

Usage

What are other ways to say because? The conjunction because introduces a direct reason for an occurrence or action: I was sleeping because I was tired. As and since are so casual as to imply merely circumstances attendant on the main statement: As (or since) I was tired, I was sleeping. The reason, proof, or justification introduced by for is like an afterthought or a parenthetical statement: I was famished, for I had not eaten all day. The more formal inasmuch as implies concession; the main statement is true in view of the circumstances introduced by this conjunction: Inasmuch as I was tired, it seemed best to sleep.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The couple is seeking $25 million in damages, claiming that because their team didn’t have the documents suppressed, they were convicted on every count.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026

He advanced through a crowded primary field in part because of a split Democratic vote, and he acknowledged the scale of the challenge ahead in a heavily Democratic state.

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026

When Facebook went public, some investors who tried to change or cancel orders ahead of trading didn’t get confirmations because of a technology malfunction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

“I was $28,000 in debt because I enjoyed going out far too much, like every other college student,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026

It might be because timing is a key element in music.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

because

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words