hiss 1 of 2

Definition of hissnext
1
as in whistle
a sound similar to the speech sound \s\ stretched out the hiss of air escaping from a balloon

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2
as in snort
a vocal sound made to express scorn or disapproval there was a chorus of boos and hisses from the fans when the umpire called the runner out

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hiss

2 of 2

verb

as in to bubble
to make a sound like that of stretching out the speech sound \s\ the frightened kitten hissed at us when we tried to pick it up

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of hiss
Noun
Clearing right-of-way strips can result in the loss of trees and native vegetation; crackles, hisses and humming can be heard nearby especially during periods of high humidity; and farm fields and animal habitat can be affected by construction activities. Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 12 Dec. 2025 The clink of cutlery and the hiss of the grill, the clouds of steam rising off plates, the heady chaos that comes with a place of public convening, a destination as much as a place of transience. Hazlitt, 10 Dec. 2025
Verb
Rising from the center of the bay is a Star Wars-style cockpit, neon-lit and hissing as the door opens to reveal a dashboard equipped with self-flying software. Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026 The beef is tender with bits of fat — the kind of fat that renders and drips on the glowing coals causing the grill to hiss like an agitated cobra. Andre James, Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hiss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hiss
Noun
  • After Party Modelo After Party Festivities aren’t over after the final whistle!
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
  • In the process, Nicole unintentionally unleashes a terrifyingly malign spirit who lures victims to their deaths with a haunting whistle.
    K.J. Yossman, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Soon come the snorts, the heavy body of a second hog tottering heavily from the hut.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Jan. 2026
  • The Rodents of Unusual Size that attack Westley in a swamp work because they are played by small men in rodent suits, rather than coolly conjured from pixels; their deliberate artifice is the thrill, and Reiner provided the voice for their hideous snorts.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • And our group chats bubbled up over pillowy ‘ballet slipper lip’ products, a concealer with skin care benefits and 12 hour wear, and an innovative ‘botox in a bottle’ wrinkle serum.
    Grace McCarty, Glamour, 1 Apr. 2026
  • There are also industry epicenters that seem to bubble up, sometimes in surprising locales.
    Bill Gurley, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • From the sneer of Billy Idol to the smooth sashaying of Sade, the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees amplify the institution’s commitment to recognizing a diverse slate.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Valarr asks Ser Duncan with a sneer.
    Noel Murray, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Other directors had tried for film adaptations that fizzled as well.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Fans have seen offseason hype fizzle.
    Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Barcelona, created by a small group of rock-and-roll writers from Buenos Aires, approached news stories from Argentina and around the world with a smirk.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Gates, no relation to Antonio, offers a shrug and a smirk.
    Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • With Duke playing keep-away to prevent the Huskies from fouling, Cayden Boozer's pass near midcourt was deflected by Demary, and after UConn came up with the ball, Mullins swished a 3 from 35 feet away.
    CBS News, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • With Duke playing keep-away to prevent the Huskies from fouling, Cayden Boozer’s pass near midcourt was deflected by Demary, and after UConn came up with the ball, Mullins swished a 3 from 35 feet away.
    Noah Trister, Baltimore Sun, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The season starts with 16 single contestants, and the last couple standing not only leaves the boat with a new boo, but gets a $100,000 trip around the world.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The boo-birds were flying at Fenway.
    Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 3 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hiss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hiss. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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