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Showing results for because.
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.

“When leaders who are supposed to be allies go quiet or change the subject, it doesn’t feel theoretical. It feels like we are being left behind because we are being left behind.”

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

Wells Fargo recently downgraded the companies’ shares, partly because of their exposure to the rising cost of plastic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

“What interceptors we have for Iran is because of Randy George,” the first U.S. official countered.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

While we wanted to embed the game on Slate for you to play, but Greg told us no because of security concerns—you can play it here instead.

From Slate • Apr. 5, 2026

I feel my face get hot, and I’m glad it’s dark because I’m pretty sure I’m as red as a fire-roasted tomato.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.