What is synonyms for which

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which

/wɪtʃ/

A pronoun used in questions to ask about one or more people or things from a definite set.

Synonyms of which

Pronouns

Strongest matches:

- what (especially in interrogative use)

- that (in relative clauses, formal or literary)

Weak matches:

- whichever (to indicate a choice from a defined set)

- who (specifically for persons, but sometimes used broadly in questions or relative clauses)

- whom (object form of 'who,' indicating the object of a verb or preposition)

Determiners

Strongest matches:

- what (when used to specify one or more from a particular set)

Weak matches:

- any (suggesting a selection from a set)

- whatever (indicating a choice with no restrictions)

- whichever (indicating a choice from a specific set)

Antonyms:

none, neither

Usage examples:

1. Which dress do you think I should wear to the party tonight, the red one or the blue one?

2. I'm not sure which route we should take to get there faster, the highway or the back roads.

3. She couldn't decide which book to read first, as all the options seemed equally compelling.

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Frequently asked questions

What are some common synonyms for the word 'which'?

Some frequently used synonyms for 'which' include 'what,' 'that,' 'whichever,' and 'whatever.' The choice of synonym often depends on the context of the sentence or question it is used in.

Can 'which' and 'that' be used interchangeably in all contexts?

No, 'which' and 'that' cannot always be used interchangeably. 'That' is often used in restrictive clauses (clauses that are essential to the meaning of the sentence), while 'which' is used in non-restrictive clauses (clauses that add extra information but are not essential to the sentence’s meaning). For example, in 'The book that I lost was a gift,' 'that' is used because the clause is necessary to understand the sentence. In contrast, 'The book, which was a gift, is lost,' uses 'which' because the clause adds extra information.

Is there a difference in formality between 'which' and its synonyms?

Yes, there can be a slight difference in formality between 'which' and some of its synonyms. 'Which' is considered neutral and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. In contrast, 'what' can sometimes be perceived as more informal, especially when used in certain constructions or questions. The choice of synonym should consider the tone and style of the writing.

How can I choose the right synonym for 'which' in my writing?

To choose the right synonym for 'which,' consider the context of your sentence and the nuance you wish to convey. If you're adding non-essential information, 'which' might be the best choice. For essential information, 'that' could be more appropriate. If you're asking a question or indicating an unspecified item among several possibilities, 'what' or 'whichever' might fit better. Always think about the clarity and flow of your sentence when selecting a synonym.