hiss 1 of 2

Definition of hissnext
1
as in whistle
a sound similar to the speech sound \s\ stretched out the hiss of air escaping from a balloon

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2
as in snort
a vocal sound made to express scorn or disapproval there was a chorus of boos and hisses from the fans when the umpire called the runner out

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hiss

2 of 2

verb

as in to bubble
to make a sound like that of stretching out the speech sound \s\ the frightened kitten hissed at us when we tried to pick it up

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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 hiss
Noun
The clink of cutlery and the hiss of the grill, the clouds of steam rising off plates, the heady chaos that comes with a place of public convening, a destination as much as a place of transience. Hazlitt, 10 Dec. 2025 Besides the wind and the hiss of the dust, Lorenz says, there was a brief sound of a snap or crack in the middle of the encounter. Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 26 Nov. 2025
Verb
If the pressure relief valve begins hissing or spraying water, then something is wrong. Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 28 Jan. 2026 Donors symbolically adopt and name a Madagascar hissing cockroach after a loved one, an ex, or anyone who deserves to be immortalized with a hiss and receive a certificate with your proof of naming for $15. Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hiss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hiss
Noun
  • But between matches, before kickoff or after the final whistle, even the most hardcore supporters need a place to relax, stretch their legs and experience something beyond the stadium gates.
    Taylor Haught, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Nuno, a former goalkeeper himself, hugged the Denmark international closely following the final whistle, then first-team coach Mark Robson and goalkeeping coach Billy Lepine did so too.
    Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Soon come the snorts, the heavy body of a second hog tottering heavily from the hut.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Jan. 2026
  • The Rodents of Unusual Size that attack Westley in a swamp work because they are played by small men in rodent suits, rather than coolly conjured from pixels; their deliberate artifice is the thrill, and Reiner provided the voice for their hideous snorts.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • And straddling it were the Mexicans and the gringos, like two children, eyes shut, their backs to each other, while the Apaches scuttled back and forth between their legs, not sure where to go with strangers bubbling up everywhere, filling their lands.
    Carolina A. Miranda, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026
  • In recent weeks, the finance committee has bubbled with disagreement over this approach.
    Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • From the sneer of Billy Idol to the smooth sashaying of Sade, the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees amplify the institution’s commitment to recognizing a diverse slate.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Valarr asks Ser Duncan with a sneer.
    Noel Murray, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • However, the laws can’t go into effect until the federal government enacts similar legislation, and the 2023 version of the bill fizzled out in a congressional committee.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The risk here is that Sherwood hasn’t put it all together across an 82-game season, and his scoring has fizzled out after hot starts in each of the last two seasons.
    Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Gosling said in his trademark slight-smirk delivery.
    Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The review delayed the game, and McCarron returned with a smirk on his face and skated to the penalty box with no injury.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Stewart swished the shot, and confetti fell from the roof in celebration.
    Tim Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Neuqua Valley junior center Danny Mikuta caught a pass from teammate Cole Kelly in the right corner and swished a 3-pointer.
    Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • To a chorus of boos, San Diego Unified School District’s board of trustees voted unanimously Tuesday to cut more than 200 classified jobs, in a move expected to lead to layoffs for about 70 people.
    Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Some fans threw flares onto the field at the final whistle as Marseille's players went off to a chorus of boos.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hiss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hiss. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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