Whynot is an unincorporated community in Randolph County, North Carolina, United States, and is included in the Piedmont Triad metropolitan region.

[5] Whynot was first settled in the 18th century by German and English people, along with the nearby communities of Erect, Hemp, Lonely, Steeds, and Sophia.

[7] The origin of town's name came from residents debating a title for their community.

"[8][9][10] The Why Not Academy and Business Institute, a combination public and private school, was located in the community from 1893 to 1916.

[11][12] Whynot has frequently been noted on lists of unusual place names.