whiz 1 of 3

variants or whizz
1
as in whistle
a sound similar to the speech sound \s\ stretched out the whiz of an arrow flying by at an uncomfortably close range

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2

whiz

2 of 3

noun (2)

whiz

3 of 3

verb

variants or whizz
1
as in to whistle
to make a sound like that of stretching out the speech sound \s\ just hearing the bullets whiz as they fly by their heads must be terrifying for soldiers

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2
as in to buzz
to fly, turn, or move rapidly with a fluttering or vibratory sound many vehicles were whizzing past us at breakneck speeds

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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 whiz
Noun
Even being a computer whiz or a tech expert doesn’t guarantee practical knowledge about money. Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025 Attempting to fit the ball into tight end Bryson Nesbit over a defender and watching the throw whiz past Nesbit’s fingertips is not a problem. Alec Lewis, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Verb
Drones and missiles whizzed across the border in both directions, with the governments and national media offering dueling claims about targets hit, infrastructure destroyed, and lives lost. Aqil Shah, Foreign Affairs, 23 May 2025 Thrushes, perhaps due to their propensity for whizzing through tight spaces in the shady forest understory, have been disproportionately represented among the victims. Jason Hoeksema, The Conversation, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for whiz
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whiz
Verb
  • The Loons fell into a 1-0 hole after captain center back Michael Boxall was whistled for a foul on Tomas Ostrak.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 27 July 2025
  • Participants must bring their own watercraft, personal flotation device, whistle, and a white electric light.
    Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 July 2025
Verb
  • Add Hollywood buzz to the mix, and this 1973 bike is a keeper.
    Kristin Shaw, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Social media platforms, particularly X, buzzed with posts expressing grief, anger, and speculation.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • At one point during the proceedings, Bryant threatened to clear the courtroom after one spectator hissed in disapproval and several others laughed at Hausmann’s assertion that the city had violated the company’s due process rights.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2025
  • Warning signs a skunk is ready to spray include jumping, stamping their front feet, arching their back, clicking teeth, and hissing.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • The rookie from Ole Miss — like he was shot out of a cannon — zoomed to starting QB Bryce Young’s blindside, and as the signal-caller prepared to launch the ball, Umanmeielen connected with Young’s arm to force a strip-sack.
    Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2025
  • Colors are also good on shots taken with the telephoto camera, but zooming into the photo reveals a loss of detail, especially around things like individual leaves and branches.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • Democrats successfully depicted Bush’s Social Security reform as a threat to Americans’ economic security in their golden years, and Bush’s top priority fizzled without even a congressional vote.
    Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 July 2025
  • However, the connection fizzles out faster than a flat Aperol Spritz once Mercury turns direct.
    Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 17 July 2025
Verb
  • Pickford dived to his right to try to keep out a Mason Mount shot and the ball struck one post before zipping across goal, hitting the other upright and pinballing out to the waiting Chelsea captain.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 23 July 2025
  • On a physical level, household tasks can lead to stronger fine-motor skills, which are essential for, say, zipping a jacket and handwriting, and which teachers report have been declining over the past several years.
    Christine Carrig, The Atlantic, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • The underlying herbal layer contributes some sage notes and everything swishes around delightfully in your mouth until the savory finish.
    Lana Bortolot, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
  • Food is delivered on conveyor belts that swish quietly next to tables.
    Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 28 July 2025
Verb
  • On Fridays, that means fajitas, which are of course sizzling.
    Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
  • Since Washington hasn't made notable progress in locking up McLaurin with a long-term extension, the trade rumors are beginning to sizzle a bit.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Whiz.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whiz. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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