HISS Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

hiss 1 of 2

noun

Definition of hiss

as in whistle

a sound similar to the speech sound \s\ stretched out the hiss of air escaping from a balloon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hiss

2 of 2

verb

ˈhis

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

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 hiss

Noun

Workers load stacks of textiles onto belts that move them through the scanner, which emits a sharp hiss while reading the textiles’ composition. — Tian MacLeod Ji, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026 The sounds of a bustling cafe—the hiss of the espresso machine or the clinking of plates—are incredibly grounding and build a sensory connection with the viewer. — Lisa Montenegro, Forbes.com, 26 Feb. 2026

Verb

There’s plenty of feline choreography, like crawling, meowing, and hissing. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2026 Louis let out a hissing breath. — Dolores Brown, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hiss

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hiss

Noun

The flight time is the same length as three full World Cup matches from kickoff to final whistle.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
But the government’s killings, torture, and abductions continued for years after the final whistle had blown.

— Minky Worden, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of whistle

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

Definition of snort

Verb

That warnings from front-line salespeople took so long to bubble up to senior management, and out to stockholders, is also alarming.

— Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 14 July 2026
There is no one in the system bubbling under who can take on a prime offensive role, although the team would have been thrilled if Russian power winger Maxim Berezkin had signed with the team.

— Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 12 July 2026

Definition of bubble

Noun

With his rakish sneer and ruthlessly tight jodhpurs, Rupert has been thoroughly neutered with irony, transformed into an object for women to pick at.

— Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
Of course, the prospect of one of the greatest women’s footballers in history skittering around Bromley on a Saturday lunchtime in front of a smattering of fans inevitably inspires sneers.

— Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 May 2026

Definition of sneer

Noun

His trademark smirk and knowing stare are now feared by any opponent up against Norway, but don’t be fooled into thinking Haaland isn’t serious about his career.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Robinson appeared to furrow his brow and smirk as the text messages about the engravings were displayed in the courtroom.

— Hannah Schoenbaum, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Definition of smirk

Verb

Rinse the blueberries under cold running water, gently swishing them around with your hands to ensure all the berries are exposed to water.

— Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 3 July 2026
The life-size robotic elephants in Prasanth Prakashan's backyard workshop have ears that flap, tails that swish and trunks that squirt water.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026

Definition of swish

Noun

Howie Mandel’s evaluation began well, but ended up eliciting boos from the audience.

— Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026
The extra time between swings gave hitters time to track their home runs — and Philly a smidge more time to unleash those throaty boos at Contreras and Walker.

— CBS News, CBS News, 14 July 2026

Definition of boo

Browse Nearby Words

hirsute

hiss

hissed

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Style

“Hiss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hiss. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of hiss

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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