Another word for however
The best other words for however are nevertheless, regardless of how, somewhat and with that said.
- Most formal
- nevertheless, nonetheless, regardless of how
- Strongest
- nevertheless still, nevertheless, nonetheless
- Casual
- still, all the same, any way you like
- Instead of “however small”
- tiny, little, slight
However /haʊˈɛvɚ/ (adverb, conjunction): used to introduce a contrast, concession, or exception to what was just said. In simple words: But it can also mean in whatever way or to whatever extent. Below are 22 rated synonyms across 4 senses, plus 28 more related words. Tap a chip for its nuance and an example.
22 synonyms shown
Contrast marker · adverb
introduces a contradiction or opposing point
Exception marker · conjunction
means 'in whatever way' or 'regardless of how'
Manner marker · adverb
used to mean in any manner or to any extent
Sentence adverb contrast · adverb
sets off a remark that softens, limits, or redirects the previous one
Find the right strength and register
Drag the amber target to how strong and how formal you need the word to be. The three closest synonyms light up.
You asked for: equal strength, neutral register
- even so — plain, spoken-sounding concession
- yet — concise contrast, often in writing
- nevertheless — slightly more formal, often stronger contrast
The dashed ring marks “however” itself: neutral strength, neutral register.
Synonyms for however in your sentence
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How to choose
Use however when you want a compact, neutral contrast; it often works best with a semicolon or after a full stop. For a smoother spoken transition, options like that said or even so often sound more natural, while nevertheless and nonetheless feel more formal.
Antonyms of however
- therefore
- thus
- so
- hence
- consequently
All synonyms at a glance
| Synonym | Strength | Formality | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| nevertheless | 3/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| nonetheless | 3/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| still | 2/5 | casual | casual, business, academic |
| even so | 3/5 | neutral | casual, business, academic |
| all the same | 2/5 | casual | casual, business, creative |
| yet | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative |
| nevertheless still | 4/5 | neutral | academic, business |
| no matter how | 3/5 | neutral | casual, business, academic |
| regardless of how | 3/5 | formal | business, academic |
| in whatever way | 3/5 | formal | academic, business |
| any way you like | 2/5 | casual | casual |
| no matter what | 3/5 | casual | casual, business, creative |
| somehow | 2/5 | neutral | casual, creative, academic |
| in some way | 2/5 | neutral | business, academic, casual |
| somewhat | 2/5 | formal | academic, business |
| to some extent | 2/5 | formal | academic, business |
| at least in part | 2/5 | formal | academic, business |
| that said | 3/5 | neutral | business, academic, casual |
| with that said | 3/5 | formal | business, academic |
| be that as it may | 3/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| then again | 2/5 | casual | casual, creative |
| on the other hand | 3/5 | neutral | business, academic, casual |
Instead of “very however”
One precise word usually beats an intensifier. See the full words instead of “very” list.
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| however small | tiny, little, slight |
| however much | as much as, a lot, so much |
More words related to however
Looser matches and phrases, unrated. Check the sense before you swap one in, or compare it with “however”.
- though
- although
- but
- but still
- and yet
- despite that
- for all that
- in spite of that
- notwithstanding
- regardless
- anyway
- anyhow
- wherever
- whenever
- whatever way
- in any way
- in any case
- to whatever degree
- to whatever extent
- by whatever means
- howsoever
- that being said
- after all
- on the contrary
- contrariwise
- by contrast
- in contrast
- conversely
Questions about synonyms for however
What is the most formal or academic alternative to however?
Nonethless and nevertheless are the most common formal replacements, with nonetheless often sounding slightly smoother in modern prose. In highly academic writing, be that as it may can work, but it is more literary than standard scholarly prose.
Is there a stronger alternative to however, or a milder one?
For a stronger, more emphatic contrast, nevertheless is often the best choice. For a milder, more conversational feel, still or then again can sound less formal and less forceful.
Can however be used at the start of a sentence?
Yes. In modern writing, sentence-initial however is standard when it introduces a contrast, especially with a comma after it. Many writers still prefer a semicolon before it when connecting two independent clauses.
What is another word for however?
It depends on how it is used. For contrast, words like "but," "yet," or "though" may work. For manner, phrases like "in whatever way" or "by whatever means" are closer.
What can I say instead of however in a sentence?
If you mean contrast, you can often use "but" or "still." If you mean "in whatever way," use phrases like "however you like" or "in any way."