Definitions

because

[bih-kawz, -koz, -kuhz] / bɪˈkɔz, -ˈkɒz, -ˈkʌz /

CONJUNCTION

on account of

Synonyms

WEAK

as as a result of as long as as things go being by cause of by reason of by virtue of considering due to for for the reason that for the sake of in as much as in behalf of in that in the interest of in view of now that on the grounds that over owing to seeing since thanks to through whereas

PREPOSITION

on account of

Synonyms

WEAK

as being by cause of by reason of by virtue of considering due to for for the reason that for the sake of in as much as in behalf of in that in the interest of in view of now that on the grounds that over owing to seeing since thanks to through whereas

Usage

What are other ways to say because? The conjunction because introduces a direct reason for an occurrence or action: I was sleeping because I was tired. As and since are so casual as to imply merely circumstances attendant on the main statement: As (or since) I was tired, I was sleeping. The reason, proof, or justification introduced by for is like an afterthought or a parenthetical statement: I was famished, for I had not eaten all day. The more formal inasmuch as implies concession; the main statement is true in view of the circumstances introduced by this conjunction: Inasmuch as I was tired, it seemed best to sleep.

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.

Because U.S. power demand growth had been stagnant before the AI boom, many publicly listed utilities haven’t built out power plants in a very long time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

“Guess what? They’re doing it now. Why? Because they can’t even get the diesel to give to those islands.”

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

Because Pratt’s campaign was great on the A.I.-generated streets but not the actual city of Los Angeles, the state has become the latest flashpoint for an election panic.

From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026

Because of Tom Jr's sudden guilty plea, Kow Mensah and two other Ghanian men – Gershon Norvivor and Kojo Attah – did not get the opportunity to testify.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

Because of the Nanuak, Wolf might be dead.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

because

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words