We’ve all been there when someone says something that annoys us frustrates us or makes us want to roll our eyes. Our first instinct might be to reply with a sarcastic or dismissive “whatever”. But is that the best way to handle the situation?
Saying “whatever” can come across as rude, immature, or passive-aggressive. It can also shut down the conversation and create more conflict. So, how can we express ourselves more respectfully and constructively?
In this blog post, we will share 20 nicer ways to say “whatever” that can help you communicate better and avoid unnecessary drama. Whether you want to show agreement, disagreement, indifference, or curiosity, there is a better alternative to “whatever” that suits your tone and intention. Read on to find out what they are and how to use them.
What Is The Meaning Of “Whatever”
The word “whatever” can have different meanings depending on how it is used. It can be:
- An adverb that means “at all” or “no matter what happens”. For example, “I don’t care whatever you do” or “Whatever happens, I’ll be there for you”.
- A pronoun that means “used for emphasis instead of ‘what’ in questions, typically expressing surprise or confusion”. For example, “Whatever are you doing?” or “Whatever is that noise?”
- An exclamation that means “said as a response indicating a reluctance to discuss something, often implying indifference. For example, “I don’t want to talk about it. Whatever.”
- A determiner that means “used to emphasize a lack of restriction in referring to anything or amount, no matter what” or “regardless of what”. For example, “You can choose whatever you like” or “Whatever the cost, we must save the planet”.
I hope this helps you understand the meaning of “whatever”.
What Are Some Examples Of Nicer Ways To Say ‘Whatever’?
Some examples of nicer ways to say ‘whatever’ are:
- Sure: This word can show agreement or acceptance without sounding rude or dismissive. For example, “Sure, I’ll help you with that project” or “Sure, you can borrow my book”.
- Fine: This word can express consent or approval without being too enthusiastic or sarcastic. For example, “Fine, let’s go to the movies” or “Fine, you can have the last slice of pizza”.
- OK: This word can indicate acknowledgment or understanding without being too emotional or argumentative. For example, “OK, I see your point” or “OK, I’ll call you later”.
- Alright: This word can convey compliance or cooperation without being too passive or aggressive. For example, “Alright, I’ll do it your way” or “Alright, let’s work together on this”.
- Sounds good: This phrase can demonstrate agreement or satisfaction without being too bland or boring. For example, “Sounds good, I’ll meet you there” or “Sounds good, I like your idea”.
- I don’t mind: This phrase can show indifference or flexibility without being too cold or indifferent. For example, “I don’t mind, you can choose the restaurant” or “I don’t mind, you can go first”.
- I’m fine with that: This phrase can express acceptance or approval without being too eager or reluctant. For example, “I’m fine with that; you can have the bigger room”, or “I’m fine with that; you can drive the car”.
- Whatever you think is best: This phrase can indicate deference or respect without being too submissive or resentful. For example, “Whatever you think is best, you’re the boss” or “Whatever you think is best, you know more than me”.
- Whatever works for you: This phrase can convey accommodation or compromise without being too accommodating or compromising. For example, “Whatever works for you, I’m flexible” or “Whatever works for you, I don’t have a preference”.
- Whatever makes you happy: This phrase can demonstrate support or encouragement without being too patronizing or insincere. For example, “Whatever makes you happy, I’m happy for you” or “Whatever makes you happy, you deserve it”.
What Are Some Synonyms Of ‘Whatever’?
Some synonyms of ‘whatever’ are:
- Regardless: This word means “without paying attention to the present situation despite the prevailing circumstances”. For example, “He went out, regardless of the weather” or “She loved him regardless of his faults”.
- Any: This word means “one, some, or all, no matter how many; whichever; whatever”. For example, “Any child would know that” or “You can take any book you like”.
- Everything: This word means “all things; all the things of a group or class”. For example, “He knows everything about cars” or “She gave him everything he wanted”.
- Whatnot: This word means “any other thing that might be mentioned or supposed”. For example, “They sell books, magazines, stationery, and whatnot”, or “He’s good at cooking, gardening, painting, and whatnot”.
How Do You Say Whatever Nicely?
There are many ways to say “whatever” in a nice way, depending on the context and tone of the conversation. Here are some examples:
- If you want to show agreement or acceptance, you can say “Sure”, “fine”, “OK”, or “alright”. For example, “Sure, I’ll go with you” or “Fine, you can have the last cookie”.
- If you want to express indifference or flexibility, you can say, “I don’t mind”, “I’m fine with that”, or “Whatever works for you”. For example, “I don’t mind, you can pick the movie” or “I’m fine with that, you can decide the time”.
- If you want to indicate deference or respect, you can say “whatever you think is best” or “whatever makes you happy. For example, “Whatever you think is best, I trust your judgment” or “Whatever makes you happy, I support you”.
- If you want to convey curiosity or interest, you can say “whatever you want to share” or “whatever you want to talk about”. For example, “Whatever you want to share, I’m listening” or “Whatever you want to talk about, I’m here for you”.
What Is The Best Reply To Whatever?
The best reply to “whatever” depends on the context and tone of the conversation, but generally, you want to avoid sounding rude, immature, or passive-aggressive. Some possible replies are:
- Do you have nothing better to say?: This reply shows that you are disappointed and frustrated by the other person’s lack of substance and interest. It also challenges them to come up with a more meaningful response. For example, “Do you have nothing better to say? I thought we were having a serious discussion.”
- Is that all you can say?: This reply expresses surprise and disappointment at the other person’s lack of creativity and eloquence. It also implies that you have more to say and that you are winning the argument. For example, “Is that all you can say? I expected more from you.”
- Clearly, I won: This reply declares victory and ends the conversation. It shows that you are confident and assertive and that you have no more time or energy to waste on the other person. For example, “Clearly, I won. You have nothing else to say. Goodbye.”
Polite Way To Say Whatever
There are many ways to say “whatever” in a polite way, depending on the context and tone of the conversation. Here are some examples:
- If you want to show agreement or acceptance, you can say “Sure”, “fine”, “OK”, or “alright”. For example, “Sure, I’ll go with you” or “Fine, you can have the last cookie”.
- If you want to express indifference or flexibility, you can say, “I don’t mind”, “I’m fine with that”, or “Whatever works for you”. For example, “I don’t mind, you can pick the movie” or “I’m fine with that, you can decide the time”.
- If you want to indicate deference or respect, you can say “whatever you think is best” or “whatever makes you happy”. For example, “Whatever you think is best, I trust your judgment” or “Whatever makes you happy, I support you”.
- If you want to convey curiosity or interest, you can say “whatever you want to share” or “whatever you want to talk about”. For example, “Whatever you want to share, I’m listening”, or “Whatever you want to talk about, I’m here for you”.
20 Nicer Ways To Say “Whatever”
There are many ways to say “whatever” in a nicer way, depending on the context and tone of the conversation. Here are 20 examples:
Sure:
This word can show agreement or acceptance without sounding rude or dismissive. For example, “Sure, I’ll help you with that project” or “Sure, you can borrow my book”.
Fine:
This word can express consent or approval without being too enthusiastic or sarcastic. For example, “Fine, let’s go to the movies” or “Fine, you can have the last slice of pizza”.
OK:
This word can indicate acknowledgment or understanding without being too emotional or argumentative. For example, “OK, I see your point” or “OK, I’ll call you later”.
Alright:
This word can convey compliance or cooperation without being too passive or aggressive. For example, “Alright, I’ll do it your way” or “Alright, let’s work together on this”.
Sounds good:
This phrase can demonstrate agreement or satisfaction without being too bland or boring. For example, “Sounds good, I’ll meet you there” or “Sounds good, I like your idea”.
I don’t mind:
This phrase can show indifference or flexibility without being too cold or indifferent. For example, “I don’t mind, you can choose the restaurant” or “I don’t mind, you can go first”.
I’m fine with that:
This phrase can express acceptance or approval without being too eager or reluctant. For example, “I’m fine with that; you can have the bigger room”, or “I’m fine with that; you can drive the car”.
Whatever you think is best:
This phrase can indicate deference or respect without being too submissive or resentful. For example, “Whatever you think is best, you’re the boss” or “Whatever you think is best, you know more than me”.
Whatever works for you:
This phrase can convey accommodation or compromise without being too accommodating or compromising. For example, “Whatever works for you, I’m flexible” or “Whatever works for you, I don’t have a preference”.
Whatever makes you happy:
This phrase can demonstrate support or encouragement without being too patronizing or insincere. For example, “Whatever makes you happy, I’m happy for you” or “Whatever makes you happy, you deserve it”.
I understand:
This phrase can show empathy or compassion without being too pitying or intrusive. For example, “I understand, you must be feeling sad” or “I understand, you need some time alone”.
I respect that:
This phrase can show appreciation or admiration without being too flattering or envious. For example, “I respect that you have a lot of courage”, or “I respect that you have a lot of talent”.
I agree:
This phrase can show concurrence or harmony without being too conforming or boring. For example, “I agree, that’s a great idea” or “I agree, that’s a fair point”.
I hear you:
This phrase can show attentiveness or interest without being too nosy or pushy. For example, “I hear you, you have a lot to say” or “I hear you, you have a lot on your mind”.
I appreciate that:
This phrase can show gratitude or recognition without being too gushing or needy. For example, “I appreciate that you are very kind”, or “I appreciate that you are very helpful”.
I’m sorry:
This phrase can show remorse or regret without being too guilty or defensive. For example, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you” or “I’m sorry, I made a mistake”.
I’m happy for you:
This phrase can show joy or excitement without being too jealous or fake. For example, “I’m happy for you, you got the promotion” or “I’m happy for you, you found your soulmate”.
I’m curious:
This phrase can show inquisitiveness or eagerness without being too prying or annoying. For example, “I’m curious, how did you do that?” or “I’m curious, what are you working on?”
I’m impressed:
This phrase can show admiration or awe without being too fawning or envious. For example, “I’m impressed, you ran a marathon” or “I’m impressed, you speak five languages”.
I’m proud of you:
This phrase can show affection or praise without being too clingy or patronizing. For example, “I’m proud of you, you graduated with honors”, or “I’m proud of you, you overcame your fears”.
Conclusion
By using these polite expressions, you can show respect, empathy, and interest to your conversation partner and leave a lasting impression on them. Remember, saying “whatever” can be rude and dismissive, so try to use one of these nicer ways to say “whatever” next time. You’ll be surprised by how much difference it can make.