whiff 1 of 2

as in hint
an almost imperceptible sign of something even a whiff of appreciation for everything I've done for her would have been nice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

whiff

2 of 2

verb

as in to smell
to become aware of by means of the sense organs in the nose whiffed the pot of chili on the stove and announced that he was staying for dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 whiff
Noun
Hitters actually don’t hit it or square it up very much, with whiff and strikeout rates well above the MLB median for four-seamers, and a wOBA allowed on the pitch that’s well below the median. Keith Law, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025 At the end of the commercial, the actor takes a long whiff from his cup and drinks from it, giving a closer look at his jewels. Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
The Marlins whiffed on 10 of his sweepers Saturday. Alex Krutchik, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025 Outside of star left tackle Christian Darrisaw and depth receiver Jalen Nailor, Minnesota has almost nothing left from the 2021 and ’22 draft classes after whiffing on high picks in 2022 on first-round safety Lewis Cine, second-round cornerback Andrew Booth and third-round guard Ed Ingram. Josh Dubow, Twin Cities, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for whiff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whiff
Noun
  • Then, during one or two moments of lightly overstepping the limit of grip, the S5’s good chassis communication enabled easy correction via a hint of counter-steer.
    Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
  • This year, the popular coffee chain is offering Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, which combines its blonde espresso with hints of apple, cinnamon, and brown sugar, all shaken together and topped with oatmilk.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Avoid adding smelly meats, fruit rinds or other sweet-smelling food scraps to your compost.
    Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Vrabel probably smells blood in the water.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The mid-quarter update offered a glimmer of hope after Six Flags’ disastrous second quarter earnings report in August.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Almost certainly out this week also is injured receiver Xavier Worthy (shoulder), who provided most of the scant glimmers of hope in the Super Bowl with eight catches for 157 yards and two touchdowns.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Don’t put out bird feeders, as bears can sniff out birdseed from more than a mile away.
    Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Inside, his older brother, Tyson, 8, sniffs around near his toys, enjoying a rare moment of uninterrupted playtime.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • These particles are small enough to enter the bloodstream when inhaled, which can cause inflammation and neurological damage.
    Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Instead of inhaling just burning vegetation, wildland firefighters are increasingly exposed to hazardous and carcinogenic substances, Rahn said.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whiff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whiff. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on whiff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!