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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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

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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
Even at age 31, coming off a disappointing season for him and with the whiff of past-his-prime, Hill is Miami’s best wide receiver and weapon — and vitally one of the best chances coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier have to save their jobs. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2025 The whole place had a whiff of Willy Wonka about it: joyful, upbeat, inventive and, well, caffeinated. Jonathan Thompson, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
Take him over the aging Alex Bregman and fellow youngster Mark Vientos, who hits the ball a little harder but also whiffs a ton more. Jake Ciely, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025 His 25 percent chase rate is lower than the league average, too, but that Smith is whiffing at a 43.8 percent clip must elicit some concern. Chandler Rome, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for whiff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whiff
Noun
  • California beach towns — like Ventura, Pismo Beach or Encinitas — tend to be outdoorsy and mellow with a hint of boho energy.
    Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Be warned: This article includes hints and comments that may contain spoilers for today’s puzzle.
    New York Times Games, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Gleaming statement bottle aside, this smells rich and indulgent without smacking you in the face.
    Jenny Berg, Allure, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Essential oils: These can help your home and car smell good and mask odors.
    Joe Difazio, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The coach listens not just for answers, but for glimmers—early signals of ideas that could be shaped into something bigger.
    Rhea Wessel, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • However, the glimmers of optimism surrounding the tariffs did not last.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Drama, romance and a thriller plot ensue as Frank tries to sniff out a dangerous stalker, with the final act playing out as Rachel wins the Best Picture Academy Award.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Even more recent examples have struggled to maintain their early chart success, like Capaldi, who was touted as a male Adele after sending two songs to the top ten in 2019 and 2020, but has barely sniffed the Hot 100 since.
    Justin Curto, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But inhaling enough can turn the act of breathing into an existential hazard, prompting or worsening asthma, COPD, respiratory infections, and permanent lung damage.
    Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Another great one is the 4-7-8 breath, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system: inhale for four counts, hold for seven and exhale slowly for eight.
    Michelle Stansbury, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Whiff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whiff. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

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