Synonyms for what,synonyms of what

Here are some synonyms for the word "what" along with an analysis of their similarities and differences:

Meaning: "Which" is often used when there is a selection or a choice among a number of things or options. It helps to ask about or identify a particular item or subset from a group. For example, "Which book do you want to read?" Here, it implies there are several books to choose from.
Similarity to "what": Both words are used in questions to seek information. However, "which" is more specific when there's a defined set of possibilities. "What" is more general and can be used in a broader range of inquiries where there might not be an obvious set of options in mind. For instance, "What is your favorite color?" doesn't assume a specific list of colors like "Which color from this palette do you like best?" would.

Meaning: "That" can be used in various ways, but in some contexts similar to "what", it can introduce a clause that provides more information or defines something. For example, "I know that he said." Here, it's used to introduce the content of what was said.
Similarity to "what": In certain sentence structures, they can both function to introduce a part of the sentence that elaborates on something. However, "that" is often more about connecting or specifying something already mentioned or known, while "what" is usually used to ask about the nature or identity of something new or unknown. For example, "Tell me what you saw" (asking for details of something unknown) versus "I remember that event" (referring back to something already known).

Meaning: "Which thing" is a more explicit way of asking about a specific item or object among others, similar to "which" but perhaps even more clarifying. For example, "Which thing on the table is yours?" It makes it clear that we're talking about objects in a particular location and asking to identify one.
Similarity to "what": Like "what", it's used in questions to get information. The main difference is that "which thing" is very focused on picking out one specific element from a group, and it's more specific and less open-ended than "what". "What" could be used to ask about a concept, an action, or an object without necessarily having a set group in mind, like "What makes you happy?"

Meaning: "Whatever" can mean anything or everything without restriction. It's often used in a more casual or dismissive way in statements or questions. For example, "You can choose whatever you like." It gives a sense of a wide range of options or a lack of preference.
Similarity to "what": They both relate to asking or talking about things in general. However, "whatever" is more inclusive and implies a broader scope or a lack of specific criteria. "What" is usually seeking a particular answer or information, whereas "whatever" is more like saying it doesn't matter which specific thing it is. For example, "What did you eat?" (seeking a specific answer) versus "Eat whatever you want." (giving free rein to choose).

Meaning: "Whichever" is similar to "which" but emphasizes that the choice can be made freely among the available options. For example, "You can take whichever seat is empty." It gives the idea that any of the empty seats are acceptable.
Similarity to "what": They are both used in a questioning or indicating context. The key difference is that "whichever" is about choosing from a set of things, highlighting the freedom of choice among them. "What" is more open-ended and might not have that sense of a pre-existing set of options to select from. For example, "What would you like to drink?" (no specific set implied) compared to "Whichever drink on the menu looks good to you." (referring to the options on the menu).