Showing results for why and wherefore. Search instead for why+and+wherefore.

why and wherefore

NOUN

excuse

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alibi apology justification pretext rationalization substitute trick

STRONG

cleanup cover defense disguise evasion expedient extenuation grounds jive makeshift mitigation plea regrets routine semblance shift song stall stopgap story subterfuge vindication whitewash

WEAK

come-off cop-out cover story coverup fish story song and dance

Antonyms

STRONG

permanent

NOUN

justification

Synonyms

STRONGEST

apology approval argument basis confirmation explanation pretext rationale rationalization vindication

STRONG

absolution account acquittal advocacy answer apologia cop-out defense exculpation exoneration extenuation grounds idea mitigation palliation palliative plea rebuttal reply response sanctification story support validation warrant wherefore

WEAK

raison d'être song and dance whatfor whitewashing whole idea

Antonyms

STRONGEST

charge indictment opposition

STRONG

question request sentence

NOUN

purpose

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ambition aspiration desire determination direction function goal idea intent objective plan principle project reason scheme scope view wish

STRONG

animus bourn calculation design destination dream drift end expectation hope mecca mission object point premeditation proposal proposition prospect resolve will

WEAK

big idea intendment ulterior motive whatfor where one's headed whole idea whyfor

Antonyms

STRONGEST

dislike hate hatred

STRONG

beginning start

NOUN

rationale

Synonyms

STRONGEST

excuse explanation hypothesis justification motivation motive philosophy principle rationalization reason theory

STRONG

account exposition grounds reasons story

WEAK

raison d'être song and dance sour grapes the big idea the whole idea whatfor whyfor

Antonyms

STRONGEST

discouragement proof reality

NOUN

reason

Synonyms

STRONGEST

argument basis cause consideration goal idea impetus incentive motivation motive proof purpose rationale

STRONG

antecedent design determinant end grounds inducement object occasion root spring target warrant wherefore why

WEAK

ulterior motive whyfor

Antonyms

STRONGEST

block discouragement hindrance

NOUN

reason

Synonyms

STRONGEST

argument case excuse idea justification proof rationale

STRONG

account apologia apology cover defense exposition ground notion rationalization vindication wherefore why

WEAK

song and dance sour grapes the whole idea whatfor whyfor

Antonyms

STRONG

charge indictment

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 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.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 26, 2024

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

The program attempts to outline the why and wherefore of moon shots, deep space probes, weather satellites and astronauts.

From Time Magazine Archive

I mean I'm going to find out the why and wherefore of the way you're behaving yourself.

From Joan Thursday by Vance, Louis Joseph

At least she was able to explain the why and wherefore of the exhibit quite to the satisfaction of all who heard her.

From Brenda's Bargain A Story for Girls by Reed, Helen Leah

why and wherefore

Example Sentences

Related Words