phew

interjection

a voiceless bilabial fricative usually followed by a voiceless (y)ü

or ᵫ sound;

often read as

ˈf(y)ü 

1

—used to express relief or fatigue

2

—used to express disgust at or as if at an unpleasant odor

Synonyms of phew

• rats
• boo
• ugh

Examples of phew in a Sentence

phew, what a stink!

Recent Examples on the Web

Well, phew, because this mom over here is done feeling trepidation around planning summer birthdays, and not wanting to let anyone down. — Melissa Willets, Parents, 21 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for phew

• blew
• blue
• boo
• brew
• chew
• chou
• clue
• coo
• coup
• crew
• cue
• dew