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
One big swing and 14 whiffs doomed the Rockies on Sunday afternoon. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 18 May 2025 Cease got 21 misses on 32 swings against the slider, a 65.6% whiff rate that was his highest since a game in June 2023. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2025
Verb
Overall, the judges agree that no one team completely whiffed it. Caroline Framke, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025 Brock Stewart struck out three, and Griffin Jax and Cole Sands whiffed two apiece. Dan Hayes, New York Times, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for whiff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whiff
Noun
  • There’s been speculation in the Russian and Western media about areas for possible negotiation, and the outcome of the Istanbul talks are being closely watched for any hints of flexibility.
    Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 2 June 2025
  • Here is what the judges had to say about it: Aromas of delicate agave and hints of herbs provide an inviting nose.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • While the fan airs out the vessel, boaters should smell for gas vapors, which are easily combustible, said Saltzburg, who posts boating safety videos on YouTube.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 27 May 2025
  • New York cannot afford to go down 3-0, but Indiana smells blood in the water.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • Sinner gave him almost no chances, but there was a glimmer of light in the 10th game, when Djokovic had four chances to break Sinner’s serve.
    Jerome Pugmire, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
  • The shoes and matching Bon Bon bag added a splash of color and glimmer to the look.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • By comparison, the males with more agreeable personalities sniffed the tubes more calmly.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 28 May 2025
  • Loyal fans and Substack readers looking for deeper dives into a brand world can sniff out when something is done strictly as a marketing play.
    Karin Eldor, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • When aerosols such as sea spray or smoke are inhaled, the fine particles can reach deep into the body, entering the bloodstream and even the brain when the particles are small enough.
    Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
  • When using bleach, try not to inhale any of the fumes and open windows when possible.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 26 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whiff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whiff. Accessed 10 Jun. 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!