though
13 synonyms and 0 antonyms for though, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Conj — Despite the fact that; although.
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 though
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
The sentence-final adverb use ("...though.") is common in speech and informal writing.
Etymology
From Old Norse *þóh and Old English þēah, both descending from a common Germanic word meaning "though" or "nevertheless."
Full origin of though →Frequently asked questions
What does “though” mean?
The word “though” means despite the fact that; although. In plain terms, a word for introducing a contrast, similar to "although" or, at the end of a sentence, "however.".
How do you pronounce “though”?
“Though” is pronounced thoh (/ðoʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “though” in a sentence?
Here is “though” used in a sentence: “Though it was raining, they went ahead with the picnic.”
What is another word for “though”?
Words with a similar meaning to “though” include anyhow, anyway, even so, in any case, nevertheless and nonetheless.
What part of speech is “though”?
Depending on how it is used, “though” can be a conjunction and an adverb.
Where does the word “though” come from?
The word “though” comes from Old English. From Old Norse *þóh and Old English þēah, both descending from a common Germanic word meaning "though" or "nevertheless.".
Is “though” a common word?
“Though” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “though” have?
“Though” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: despite the fact that; although.
What is the difference between 'though' and 'although'?
'Though' and 'although' mean the same thing and are usually interchangeable at the start of a clause: 'Though/Although it was late, we stayed'. 'Although' is slightly more formal. Only 'though' can also sit at the end of a sentence as an adverb meaning 'however': 'It's hard. I'll try, though.'
What is the difference between 'though' and 'thought'?
They look alike but are unrelated. 'Though' is a linking word meaning 'despite the fact that', as in 'though it rained'. 'Thought' is either the past tense of 'think' ('I thought so') or a noun meaning an idea ('a clever thought'). The extra 't' completely changes the meaning.
Can 'though' be used at the end of a sentence?
Yes. At the end of a sentence, 'though' acts as an adverb meaning 'however' or 'nevertheless', softening or qualifying what came before: 'The room was small. It was cosy, though.' This everyday use is perfectly correct and very common in speech and informal writing.