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

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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

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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 whiff
Noun
The biggest whiff of the night came on a 26-yard field goal attempt from North Carolina transfer kicker Liam Boyd, which bounced off the left upright. Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025 The major league average whiff rate on four-seam fastballs at 92 mph or slower is 17%. Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
Davidson’s lone bright moment came when senior quarterback Coulter Cleland found receiver Brody Reina for 55 yards after Georgetown defenders jumped the route but whiffed on the tackle. Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 30 Aug. 2025 Straw never chased much or whiffed often in his career — consistent contact is his natural strength. Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for whiff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whiff
Noun
  • Check out our hints and answers right here.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • From cracks near its south pole, the moon blasts towering geysers of water vapor, ice and organic molecules into space, which are tantalizing hints of a hidden ocean that could, in theory, be habitable.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • No one wants to use a bathroom that smells stale (or worse).
    Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
  • But that did little to allay the concerns of Dermish and his neighbors, who continued to see flares light up the sky and to smell gas wafting over the community.
    ProPublica, ProPublica, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Chiefs fans had a brief glimmer of hope as a flag was thrown on LA’s touchdown.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
  • There were glimmers of the magnificent past at the 2024 French Open against Iga Swiatek when Osaka won the second set 6-1 and was within a point of going 5-1 up in the decider.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • So, like two detectives sniffing a break in a case, Richardson and Soto further investigated, scanning more clips in search of supporting evidence.
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Hired by Leo's sister-in-law (Shailene Woodley), Detective Bali sniffs out the winding secrets of the powerful Vardakis family, unraveling a crime of passion.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • When dust is inhaled, the particles can collect in your lungs and lead to respiratory issues.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Under Robinson’s leadership, a team of his firm’s attorneys fought and won an 18-year court battle on behalf of the state’s victims of brown lung, a disease that strikes textile workers who inhale particles from raw cotton.
    Michael Gordon, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Whiff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whiff. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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