whatever
4 synonyms for whatever, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Det — Any at all, no matter which; used to show something applies without restriction.
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.
no matter what
How to use whatever
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
whatever happens
whatever it takes
or whatever
The interjection use ("Whatever.") is informal and can sound curt or dismissive.
Etymology
From Middle English, formed by joining "what" and "ever" for emphasis.
Full origin of whatever →Frequently asked questions
What does “whatever” mean?
The word “whatever” means any at all, no matter which; used to show something applies without restriction. In plain terms, a flexible word meaning "anything, no matter what" — or, as an interjection, a dismissive "I don't care.".
How do you pronounce “whatever”?
“Whatever” is pronounced ot-EHV-uh (/wʌtˈɛv.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “whatever” in a sentence?
Here is “whatever” used in a sentence: “Take whatever seat is free.”
What part of speech is “whatever”?
Depending on how it is used, “whatever” can be a det, a pronoun and an intj.
Where does the word “whatever” come from?
The word “whatever” comes from Middle English. From Middle English, formed by joining "what" and "ever" for emphasis.
Is “whatever” a common word?
“Whatever” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “whatever” have?
“Whatever” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: any at all, no matter which; used to show something applies without restriction.
What is the difference between whatever and whichever?
Both mean no matter which, but whichever implies a limited set of options to choose from, while whatever is open-ended with no fixed range. "Take whichever seat you like" suggests a specific group of seats; "whatever you need" places no limit at all on the possibilities.
Is whatever rude?
As a determiner, as in "whatever help you need," it is completely neutral and standard. As a standalone reply, though, "Whatever," it is often dismissive or sarcastic, signalling indifference or a wish to end the argument. Tone and context decide: the grammatical use is polite; the throwaway interjection usually is not.
Related words
howsoever
whatever butters your biscuit
whatever butters your biscuits
whatever butters your bread
whatever butters your muffin
whatever butters your toast
whatever creams your twinkie
whatever floats your boat
whatever humps your camel
whatever it takes
whatever melts your butter
whatever sizzles your bacon
whatever tickles your pickle
whatever winds your clock
