WAFT Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

waft 1 of 2

noun

Definition of waft

as in breeze

a slight or gentle movement of air wafts carrying the scent of spring flowers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

calm

waft

2 of 2

verb

ˈwäft

as in to hover

to rest or move along the surface of a liquid or in the air a feather wafted past us and settled on the grass

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 waft

Noun

At lunchtime, Bosnian and English bounce between the tables while delicious aromas waft in from the kitchen. — Timothy Depeugh, Southern Living, 25 July 2026 There are flies, rats and, if the wind shifts every so slightly, a waft of thick, nauseating air from the warehouse. — Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

Verb

Some will waft across a 2,500-mile path that includes the Plains, Midwest and East as dozens of uncontained fires burn across Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. — Ben Noll, Washington Post, 27 July 2026 The plinking of a piano wafted in from the Music Hall by the water’s edge. — Lila Harron Battis, Travel + Leisure, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for waft

Recent Examples of Synonyms for waft

Noun

On hot summer days, that breeze combined with a light sweat is a surprisingly efficient cooling system.

— Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
The lack of hills and the first-class bike lane infrastructure make cycling here a breeze.

— Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of breeze

Noun

Low-Fiber Breakfast Cereals Many cold cereals are made from refined grains that are processed into small flakes or puffs.

— Brittany Poulson, Verywell Health, 19 Aug. 2026
Instead, press the powder into the back of your hand first, then tap the puff lightly onto your skin.

— Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of puff

Verb

Off property, the hotel can connect guests with surf lessons, sailing on Jamaica Bay, paddleboarding, and sailing excursions.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
During Monday’s practice, Smith threw an interception to safety Andre Cisco on a pass that sailed well over the receiver’s head.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of sail

Noun

Yet Parton masterfully stayed out of every fight in the culture wars, preaching love, philanthropy, mentorship and tolerance until her dying breath.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Perhaps a soldier took his last breath beneath its canopy, watering its roots with his blood.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of breath

Verb

Restrictions on energy, electricity or critical minerals, something Ford also floated, could instead raise costs for American companies and consumers by making key inputs more expensive or harder to obtain.

— Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
The soda bottles sat atop floating coasters that carried the drinks across the food truck counter and dropped them into a slot so customers could retrieve them below.

— Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of float

Verb

Then Sánchez’s eyes drifted up, his feet stumbled to a stop, and the ball bounced feet away from him on the turf.

— Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Previously, the state Department of Agriculture interpreted that to mean that outdoor growing was prohibited, citing concerns over security and agricultural pesticides drifting into marijuana crops.

— Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of drift

Verb

An 8-year-old has died after contracting a rare brain-eating amoeba believed to have been encountered while swimming in a lake near her home, her family and health officials said.

— Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Williams swims and, characteristically, has taken on a project — converting a circa-1780 building on the plaza by the village church into a gallery for Tom’s work.

— Barbara Bry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of swim

Browse Nearby Words

waffling

waft

wafted

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Waft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waft. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of waft

noun

verb

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