Synonyms for Which: Definitions, Examples, and Usage Guide

The word “which” may seem small, but it plays an important role in English grammar. Whether you’re asking a question or adding information, “which” helps clarify the meaning in both speaking and writing. But using the same word too often can make your sentences sound repetitive or less natural.

That’s why learning synonyms for which can be helpful. Depending on the context, there are different words you can use to express the same idea more clearly or with variety. In this article, we’ll explore common alternatives to “which,” explain when to use them, and provide examples to help you improve your English fluency.

When Do You Use “Which”?

The word “which” is used in two main ways:

1. To ask questions
2. To add information about something already mentioned

1. “Which” in Questions

We often use “which” to ask someone to choose from a specific group of options.

Example: Which color do you like best—blue or green?

In this case, “which” works like a question word pointing to a limited set of choices.

2. “Which” in Relative Clauses

“Which” can also connect ideas in a sentence, especially when giving extra details about something already mentioned.

Example: She gave me a book, which I found very interesting.

Here, “which” adds extra information about the noun (book) and is part of a relative clause.

Synonyms for “Which” (As a Pronoun)

As a pronoun, “which” is often used to point to a specific item, person, or option—either in questions or to add extra information. In some cases, it can be replaced with a different word, depending on what you’re trying to say.

In Questions

We often use “which” to ask someone to choose from a known set of options. Let’s look at a few words that can replace “which” in questions and when they work best.

1. What

Use “what” when you’re asking about general information or when the options are not limited. It’s broader than “which.”

• Which movie do you want to watch tonight?
• What movie do you want to watch tonight?

Both are correct, but “which” suggests a list or specific choices (maybe a few you’re deciding between), while “what” sounds more open-ended—as if any movie is possible.

2. Who

“Who” can replace “which” when you’re asking about people—especially if the group is already known. It’s simpler and more direct.

• Which of your friends is coming to the trip?
• Who is coming to the trip?

The first version is more specific, asking about friends. The second is broader and works when everyone already knows you’re talking about your friends.

3. Whichever

“Whichever” means “any one that you choose” or “it doesn’t matter which.” It’s often used to offer freedom of choice.

• You can take whichever snack you like from the basket.
• You can take which snack you like from the basket. (❌ Incorrect)

“Whichever” fits here because it’s offering any option without limiting the choice. You can’t replace it with “which” in this type of sentence.

In Relative Clauses

“Which” is also used to add extra information about something mentioned earlier in the sentence. This is called a relative clause. In some cases, “which” can be replaced by that, what, or whichever, depending on the meaning and structure.

1. That

“That” can sometimes replace “which” in restrictive relative clauses—when the information is essential to the meaning of the sentence.

• The book which she recommended was excellent.
• The book that she recommended was excellent.

In both cases, the clause “which/that she recommended” gives important information. “That” sounds a bit more direct and is often used in everyday speech.

Note: If the clause is non-essential (extra information), you should use “which” and not “that.”

• Her laptop, which she bought last year, is already outdated.
  ✅ Here, you can’t replace “which” with “that” because it’s adding non-essential information.

2. What

“What” is not a direct synonym for “which,” but in some cases, it can replace a clause involving “which” to simplify a sentence.

• He couldn’t understand the question, which surprised the teacher.
• He couldn’t understand what surprised the teacher.

In the second sentence, “what” acts as a single word replacing “the thing which.” It works only when the meaning allows for this kind of restructuring.

3. Whichever

“Whichever” is used to refer to anyone from a group, often with a sense of freedom or flexibility. It can sometimes take the place of “which” + noun.

• She wore whichever dress made her feel comfortable.
• She wore the dress which made her feel comfortable.

In both cases, the idea is clear, but “whichever” highlights the choice or possibility, while “which” points to a specific one.

Synonyms for “Which” (As a Determiner)

As a determiner, “which” comes before a noun to refer to a specific item or set of items. It’s often used when someone is choosing from known options.

For example:

• Which jacket are you wearing today?
• Which team won the game?

Depending on the context, “which” can sometimes be replaced by other determiners like what, whichever, or each.

1. What

“What” can replace “which” when you’re asking about general choices or when the number of options is not clearly defined.

• Which book should I read first?
• What book should I read first?

Here, both are grammatically correct. “Which” implies you have a few books in mind. “What” is broader and might refer to any book, even ones not yet mentioned.

2. Whichever

“Whichever” works when the choice is flexible or when the speaker is saying that any option is fine.

• You can take whichever route is faster.
• You can take which route is faster. (❌ Incorrect)

“Whichever” clearly shows that the person can choose any route that meets the condition.

3. Each

“Each” isn’t always a direct synonym for “which,” but in some cases, it helps shift focus to individual items rather than selecting from a group.

• Choose which snack you want.
• Choose each snack you want. (This changes the meaning.)

“Each” emphasizes one at a time or all individually. It’s not interchangeable in every sentence, but it may be a better fit depending on what you’re trying to say.

Choosing the Right Synonym: Context Matters

While several words can replace “which,” not all of them fit every situation. The meaning of your sentence can change depending on the synonym you choose. The right choice depends on what you’re trying to say and how precise or flexible you want your sentence to be.

“Which” vs. “Whichever”

• You may borrow whichever book interests you from the shelf.
• You may borrow the book which interests you the most.

In the first sentence, “whichever” emphasizes freedom of choice—any book on the shelf is fine, as long as the person finds it interesting. It suggests that the speaker doesn’t have a preference and is leaving the decision open.

In the second sentence, “which” points to a more specific selection, possibly assuming the person already has a few books in mind. The focus is on identifying the one book that stands out based on interest.

While both forms are grammatically correct, the tone and level of flexibility are different. “Whichever” is used when any option is acceptable. “Which” fits well when the options are more defined or when the speaker wants the listener to choose carefully.

“Which” vs. “What”

• Which topic would you like to present—climate change or renewable energy?
• What topic would you like to present in class?

In the first sentence, “which” is used because the speaker is offering a limited set of options. It suggests that the listener needs to choose between two known topics.

In the second sentence, “what” is used to allow for a broader range of responses. The listener can suggest any topic, not just from a predefined list.

So, while both are question words, “which” is best when the choices are specific and already known, and “what” is better when the options are unlimited or not yet defined.

“Which” vs. “Who”

• Which of the applicants has the most experience in marketing?
• Who has the most experience in marketing?

In the first sentence, “which” is used because the speaker is referring to a specific group—a set of applicants that both the speaker and listener are likely aware of. The question asks for a selection from within that group.

In the second sentence, “who” makes the question more general. It works well when the speaker isn’t pointing to any particular group or when the listener doesn’t need to consider specific options.

Use “which” when you’re referring to people from a known set and “who” when you’re asking more broadly without defined limits.

“Which” vs. “That”

• The phone that she bought last week has already stopped working.
• The phone, which she bought last week, has already stopped working.

Explanation:
Both sentences are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings.

In the first sentence, “that she bought last week” is essential information. It helps identify which phone is being talked about—perhaps she has more than one. This is called a restrictive clause, and it doesn’t need commas.

In the second sentence, “which she bought last week” is non-essential information. The speaker assumes the listener already knows which phone they’re referring to, and the part about when it was bought is just an extra detail. This is a non-restrictive clause and is set off by commas.

Tip: Use “that” when the information is necessary to identify the subject and “which” when you’re simply adding more detail about something already clear.

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Summary Table: Synonyms for “Which”

FAQs about Synonyms for “Which”