WHET Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

whet 1 of 2

verb

ˈ(h)wet

Definition of whet

as in to sharpen

to make sharp or sharper whetted the knife with the grindstone

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

whet

2 of 2

noun

as in load

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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 whet

Verb

The team whetted fans’ appetites by promising initiatives involving Fieri throughout the race season. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2026 Your yearnings whet the underside of her tongue, as familiar as the thrum of her own pulse. — Literary Hub, 25 June 2026 The vermouth’s herbal notes blend with the bitter tonic for a refreshing way to whet the palate before a meal. — Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 Some of the Summertime launch‘s most delicious harvests have already sold out, so don’t think too long or too hard about it before snagging everything that catches your eye… and whets your appetite. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for whet

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whet

Verb

Meanwhile, the Israeli prime minister also sharpened his already-combative rhetoric against Erdogan.

— Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
Pressure may sharpen vigilance, intensify focus, and mobilize the mental faculties leaders need to respond effectively.

— Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of sharpen

Noun

There’s no doubt about it that hot water serves its purpose to clean and sanitize items, but that doesn’t mean this setting should be the default for every load.

— Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2026
This outer layer absorbs physical stress directly, protecting the delicate internal materials from bending or cracking under load.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of load

Noun

The best part about these tacos were the tater tot cheddar cheese shell they were wrapped in.

— Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Aug. 2026
Plans call for four three-story apartment buildings, a community center, swimming pool, tot lot, barbecue area, dog park and 180 surface parking spaces.

— Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of tot

Noun

Expansions, nips, and tucks happened over the years, but the British Colonial design was needing a facelift when Hurricane Irma decimated the island in September 2017.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
Not even regular nips from a hidden bottle of whiskey in the garage can ease Greg’s self-loathing.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of nip

Noun

Along the way, Parton cultivated an international business reputation and a vast fortune that Forbes pegs at $450 million.

— Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
To solve, loop one end of the string around the peg on the parabola with an x-coordinate of –3 (y = 9) and attach the other end of the string to a peg with an x-coordinate of 4 (y = 16).

— Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of peg

Noun

Vermouth is a lower-proof aperitif flavored with herbs, roots, spices, citrus and other botanicals, typically landing somewhere between 15% and 22% ABV—considerably gentler than the roughly 40% ABV of many familiar spirits.

— Devin Parr, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
The aperitif hails from Italy and was developed by Casa Luigi Sarti & Figli, a historic distillery established in Bologna in 1885.

— Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of aperitif

Noun

Abramorama doc Never Stop Chasing, opening on about 200 screens, reteams storm chaser Reed Timmer and director/producer Ken Cole.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026
For seasoned eclipse chaser Roy Tillcock from the Isle of Wight, the clear view had come as a genuine surprise.

— Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of chaser

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“Whet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whet. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of whet

verb

noun

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