Whatever — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

pronoun adjective adverb /(h)wät-ˈe-vər/ what·ev·er

Meaning & Definition of Whatever

Whatever (pronoun)

  1. anything or everything that
  2. no matter what
  3. whatnot

Whatever (adjective)

  1. any … that, all … that
  2. no matter what
  3. of any kind at all —used after the substantive it modifies with any or with an expressed or implied negative

Whatever (adverb)

  1. in any case, whatever the case may be —sometimes used interjectionally to suggest the unimportance of an issue or decision between alternatives

Whatever (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. in spite of everything

    "whatever the reviews say, I still think it was a great play"

    similar: anyhow, anyway, anyways (chiefly dialect), regardless, at all events, at any rate, in any case, in any event, no matter, whether or no
    related: after all, however, nevertheless, always

Whatever (pronoun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. any of various other things that might also be mentioned

    "looking for a job as writer or editor—or whatever—with a TV network newscast"

    similar: what all, whatnot, what have you
    related: anything, whichever

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Whatever

The most common words with a similar meaning to Whatever:

Chiefly dialect: anyways
anyhow, anyway, regardless, at all events, at any rate, in any case, in any event, no matter, whether or no, what all, whatnot, what have you

Related Words for Whatever

after all, however, nevertheless, always, anything, whichever

Origin & Etymology of Whatever

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Whatever

Words & Phrases Containing Whatever

whatever one damn/damned well pleases, whatever possessed him/her/you/them, whatever the case (may be), for some/whatever reason

Frequently Asked Questions about Whatever

What does "Whatever" mean?

"Whatever" means anything or everything that. As an a pronoun, an adjective and an adverb, it is defined as: anything or everything that. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Whatever"?

Other words for "Whatever" include anyhow, anyway, anyways, regardless, at all events, at any rate, in any case and in any event. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Whatever" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Whatever"?

There are 19 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Whatever". Common alternatives include anyhow, anyway, anyways, regardless, at all events, at any rate, in any case, in any event, no matter and whether or no.

How do you use "Whatever" in a sentence?

Examples of "Whatever" in a sentence: "whatever the reviews say, I still think it was a great play"; "looking for a job as writer or editor—or whatever—with a TV network newscast".

Is "Whatever" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Whatever" can be used as a pronoun, an adjective and an adverb, depending on the context.

Is "Whatever" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Whatever" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.

How do you pronounce "Whatever"?

"Whatever" is pronounced /(h)wät-ˈe-vər/ and divided into syllables as what·ev·er.

What is the origin of the word "Whatever"?

First known use: 14th century.