wherefore
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.
Appearing before the Democratic faithful at the state party convention in San Francisco, hopefuls offered the whys and wherefore of their candidacies.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2026
In addition to gleaning the why and wherefore behind America’s foundational document, teenage listeners will meet up with the Declaration of Independence and a roster of seminal Supreme Court decisions.
From New York Times • May 28, 2018
But where "Lost" scrambled for an explanation, to assign some causes and effects to its kooky island, "The Leftovers" keeps the why and the wherefore dark.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2014
But when I heard in their sweet melodiesCompassion for me, more than had they said,"O wherefore, lady, dost thou thus upbraid him?"
From The Guardian • Aug. 16, 2010
Timorous answered, that they...had got up that difficult place: but, said he, the further we go, the more danger we meet with; wherefore we turned, and are going back again.
From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams
![]()
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.