-ˌthȯl
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Wherewithal comes from where and withal (meaning "with"), and it has been used as a conjunction meaning "with or by means of which" and as a pronoun meaning "that with or by which." These days, however, it is almost always used as a noun referring to the means or resources a person has at one's disposal—especially financial resources.
Synonyms
Examples of wherewithal in a Sentence
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 25 June 2024
Mars’ six-week stay in Taurus provides the wherewithal to defend or improve your home turf.
—USA TODAY, 9 June 2024
Such a state would have abundant economic clout, the ability to develop sophisticated weaponry, the potential to project power around the globe, and perhaps even the wherewithal to outspend the United States in an arms race.
—John Mearsheimer, Foreign Affairs, 13 June 2016
Contingencies This question is not so simple for move-up or move-down buyers who don’t have the financial wherewithal to buy a place before their existing home is sold.
—Jeff Lazerson, Orange County Register, 6 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for wherewithal 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wherewithal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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“Wherewithal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wherewithal. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
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