somewhat
14 synonyms and 0 antonyms for somewhat, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adverb — To a limited or moderate degree; not completely.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use somewhat
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Formed from some + what.
Full origin of somewhat →Frequently asked questions
What does “somewhat” mean?
The word “somewhat” means to a limited or moderate degree; not completely. In plain terms, a little, or to some extent — softening a description rather than saying it fully applies.
How do you pronounce “somewhat”?
“Somewhat” is pronounced SUHM-wot (/ˈsʌmwʌt/ in IPA).
How do you use “somewhat” in a sentence?
Here is “somewhat” used in a sentence: “The results were somewhat disappointing.”
What part of speech is “somewhat”?
“Somewhat” is an adverb.
Is “somewhat” a common word?
“Somewhat” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between somewhat and slightly?
Both soften a statement, but they differ in degree. Slightly means to a very small extent, barely noticeable. Somewhat means to a moderate but still limited degree — more than slightly, less than very. Something somewhat cold is cooler than something slightly cold, though neither is extreme.
Is somewhat formal or informal?
Somewhat is fairly neutral and leans slightly formal, so it fits comfortably in writing, reports, and polite speech. In casual conversation, people often reach for kind of, a bit, or a little instead. Using somewhat can make a sentence sound measured and considered rather than offhand.
What is an example of somewhat?
You might say the results were somewhat disappointing, meaning disappointing to a moderate degree but not entirely. Other examples include I was somewhat surprised, or the room felt somewhat cramped. In each case, somewhat tones the statement down, showing the quality is present but not to a full extent.