Whatever vs. Whatnot — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 8, 2024
"Whatever" is a versatile term meaning "anything" or "no matter what," while "whatnot" broadly refers to "miscellaneous things." Both terms imply inclusivity but in slightly different contexts.
Difference Between Whatever and Whatnot
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Whatever" is commonly used to signify anything or any possible option, often indicating indifference or flexibility. For instance, someone may say, "Do whatever you like," granting the other person freedom of choice. On the other hand, "whatnot" refers to miscellaneous or similar things, used at the end of a list to imply additional, unspecified items, like "books, papers, and whatnot."
"Whatever" has an authoritative tone, often dismissive or indifferent, making it suitable for conversations where precision is unnecessary or where the speaker is yielding control. Conversely, "whatnot" carries a casual tone and is more inclusive, often hinting at an incomplete list of items or details.
When used as pronouns, "whatever" specifically refers to any possible thing or option, whereas "whatnot" isn't specific to any item but to a general, nonspecific collection. Their difference lies in the scope and specificity they imply.
"Whatever" can also function as an adjective to describe anything in a non-specific way, like "whatever choice you make," whereas "whatnot" is typically a noun that refers to the collection itself, such as "a box of whatnots."
As adverbs, "whatever" isn't typically used as freely, while "whatnot" is rarely, if ever, used as an adverb. Instead, it mostly complements other items listed previously, giving an impression of miscellany.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Pronoun, adjective, adverb
Noun
Tone
Often dismissive or indifferent
Casual or inclusive
Specificity
Implies any possible thing or option
Broadly refers to miscellaneous items
Usage Example
"Whatever you choose is fine."
"We have papers, pens, and whatnot."
Primary Function
Indicates flexibility or indifference
Suggests incomplete list
Compare with Definitions
Whatever
Adjective indicating any kind of.
We can resolve whatever issues arise.
Whatnot
Informal way to suggest an incomplete list.
We packed clothes, shoes, and whatnot.
Whatever
Pronoun meaning any possible option.
Choose whatever is easiest for you.
Whatnot
Noun meaning miscellaneous or similar items.
He collected all his gadgets, cables, and whatnot.
Whatever
Adverb emphasizing uncertainty.
She’ll finish her project in an hour or whatever.
Whatnot
Reference to unspecific, additional things.
She added sugar, honey, and whatnot to the mix.
Whatever
Indifferent response meaning "I don't care."
Whatever, it's up to you.
Whatnot
Implies a casual, relaxed collection of items.
I have books, papers, and whatnot.
Whatever
Conjunction to suggest "no matter what."
We will continue working, whatever the circumstances.
Whatnot
Usually follows a list of items.
The toolkit includes wrenches, pliers, and whatnot.
Whatever
Used to emphasize a lack of restriction in referring to any thing or amount, no matter what
Do whatever you like
Take whatever action is needed
Whatnot
A minor or unspecified object or article.
Whatever
Used for emphasis instead of ‘what’ in questions, typically expressing surprise or confusion
Whatever is the matter?
Whatnot
A set of light, open shelves for ornaments.
Whatever
Used to emphasize a lack of restriction in referring to any thing or amount, no matter what
Take whatever action is needed
Do whatever you like
Whatnot
(countable) A small unspecified object; bric-a-brac (in plural)
Whatever
At all; of any kind (used for emphasis)
They received no help whatever
Whatnot
(uncountable) Other related objects or ideas.
At the lexicography club, we welcome all discussion of words and whatnot.
All of the cakes and whatnot have been laid out, ready for the children's birthday party this afternoon.
Whatever
No matter what happens
We told him we'd back him whatever
Whatnot
A freestanding set of shelves on which ornaments are displayed; an etagere.
Whatever
Said as a response indicating a reluctance to discuss something, often implying indifference
‘I'll call you later.’ I shrugged. ‘Whatever.’
Whatnot
A kind of stand, or piece of furniture, having shelves for books, ornaments, etc.; an étagère.
Whatever
Of any number or kind; any
Whatever requests you make will be granted.
Whatnot
Miscellaneous curios
Whatever
All of; the whole of
She applied whatever strength she had left to the task.
Whatever
Of any kind at all
No campers whatever may use the lake before noon.
Whatever
Used to indicate indifference to or scorn for something, such as a remark or suggestion
We're having pizza tonight.—Whatever. I don't care.
Whatever
(interrogative) What ever; emphatic form of 'what'.
Good heavens! Whatever time is it?!
Whatever
Regardless of the ... that; for any ... that.
Whatever choice you make, there will be consequences.
I will stick with you, whatever fate befalls us.
Whatever
Any ... that; of no matter what type or kind that.
Whatever doubts I had were quickly dispelled.
Write down whatever thoughts come into your mind.
Whatever
Any; of no matter what type or kind.
I must obtain it at whatever cost.
Whatever
(interrogative) What ever; emphasised form of 'what', used to ask which thing, event, circumstance, etc.
Whatever do you mean?
Whatever
Regardless of anything that.
Whatever he does, he will still lose the game.
Whatever happens, stay calm.
Whatever
(fused relative) Anything that; all that.
Do whatever works.
I’ll do whatever I can.
Whatever
(informal) Anything; thing(s) of unspecified kind, or no matter what kind; sometimes used to indicate that the speaker does not care about options.
I don't need any of this stuff, so take whatever.
Whatever
At all; in any way; whatsoever.
There is no point whatever in going on with this discussion.
Whatever
(interrogative) In what way; to what extent.
Whatever does it matter now?
Whatever
(colloquial) A holophrastic expression used to dismiss something that the speaker doesn't care about, doesn't think important, or doesn't want to consider or discuss any further.
So you don't like Mrs Jones. Whatever. What's that got to do with my question?
I wonder which I'm supposed to take ... whatever, I'll just pick any one.
Go brush your teeth. – Whatever!
Whatever
(colloquial) Unexceptional or unimportant; blah.
Whatever
(colloquial) Something whose exact kind or nature is unimportant; a thingy.
Whatever
Anything soever which; the thing or things of any kind; being this or that; of one nature or another; one thing or another; anything that may be; all that; the whole that; all particulars that; - used both substantively and adjectively.
Whatever fortune stays from his word.
Whatever Earth, all-bearing mother, yields.
Whatever be its intrinsic value.
Whatever
One or some or every or all without specification;
Give me any peaches you don't want
Not any milk is left
Any child would know that
Pick any card
Any day now
Cars can be rented at almost any airport
At twilight or any other time
Beyond any doubt
Need any help we can get
Give me whatever peaches you don't want
No milk whatsoever is left
Common Curiosities
Can "whatever" and "whatnot" be used interchangeably?
Not really; "whatever" refers to any option, while "whatnot" implies a collection of similar, unspecified items.
Can "whatnot" be used to refer to people?
No, it's generally reserved for things and items, not people.
Does "whatnot" refer to physical objects only?
While it primarily refers to physical items, "whatnot" can also relate to abstract concepts or activities, as in "tips, strategies, and whatnot."
How is "whatever" used in casual conversation?
It often indicates indifference or flexibility, like "Whatever you want is fine."
Is "whatnot" similar to "etc."?
Yes, both "whatnot" and "etc." imply a list of additional, unspecified items. However, "whatnot" is more informal.
Does "whatever" imply a lack of interest?
It can, depending on the tone and context, as it may suggest indifference.
Is "whatnot" appropriate in formal writing?
It is less suitable in formal writing, where "et cetera" or "miscellaneous items" may be preferred.
Is "whatnot" commonly used in writing?
It's more frequent in informal speech but can also be found in casual or conversational writing styles.
Does "whatever" have different meanings in various English dialects?
Its core meaning remains consistent across dialects, though its use may vary in formality or tone.
Is "whatnot" considered informal?
Yes, it's often used in casual contexts to imply an incomplete list.
Is "whatever" always negative?
No, "whatever" can express a positive attitude when indicating flexibility or inclusivity, like "We can go wherever and do whatever we want."
Can "whatever" be used to start a sentence?
Yes, "whatever" can start a sentence, especially when emphasizing a flexible or dismissive attitude, like "Whatever you decide is fine with me."
Does "whatever" have synonyms?
Yes, synonyms include "any," "whichever," or "anything."
Can "whatnot" refer to random items?
Yes, "whatnot" can refer to any assortment of items not specifically named.
Is "whatever" used for people as well as objects?
It can refer to people when indicating inclusivity or indifference, like "Invite whoever you want," or "whatever guests they invite."
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
