cannot

auxiliary verb

can·​not ˈka-(ˌ)nät How to pronounce cannot (audio)
kə-ˈnät,
ka-ˈnät
: can not
Phrases
cannot but or cannot help but or less commonly cannot help
: to be unable to do otherwise than
we cannot but wonder why
I cannot help feeling sorry for them.

Examples of cannot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Just like those unsavory relatives, leaders cannot—and should not—allow the behaviors of a certain few to hijack the culture for all. Shannon Gabriel, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 The reader can see what the characters cannot—what forced migration and residential schools have prevented them from seeing and sharing. Parul Sehgal, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cannot was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near cannot

Cite this Entry

“Cannot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cannot. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

cannot

can·​not ˈkan-(ˌ)ät How to pronounce cannot (audio)
kə-ˈnät,
ka-ˈnät
: can not

More from Merriam-Webster on cannot

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