Definition of whetnext
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

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 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 The wait only whetted Arsenal’s appetite for the big moment. Art De Roché, New York Times, 24 May 2026 The announcement lands at the close of Marché du Film, where Japan was this year’s country of honor, and caps a busy session for Frontières Platform, which in recent years has been a key player in whetting the growing appetite for genre film at both the Cannes’ festival and market. Jennie Punter, Variety, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for whet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whet
Verb
  • Some people use it to sharpen college applications or research which programs align with their goals.
    Omer Qureshi, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Two sequels expanded the world, sharpening the original’s themes and cementing the series as one of Disney’s most durable modern properties.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 2026
Noun
  • He has been charged with failure to secure a load and having expired vehicle registration, police said.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
  • Washing clothes with cold water, running only full loads, and occasionally air-drying clothes can help reduce energy consumption.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 29, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2026
Noun
  • The tot was seen resting her head against her mom’s chest while wearing a onesie in the leopard-print carrier.
    Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026
  • Then the man would offer the tot a small treat—a marshmallow, all white and plush.
    Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • Mercifully, Candace nips that potential Harold and Maude situation in the bud, leaving Steenburgen with her dignity intact.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2026
  • One notable example was from Iraq defender Zaid Tahseen against Norway at Gillette Stadium, hitting an underweighted backpass to goalkeeper Jalal Hassan — allowing Erling Haaland to storm forward, nip in and score.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • And both will fit in your pocket without needing a belt to keep your pants up.
    Joe Salas July 26, New Atlas, 27 July 2026
  • Knight brought both belts into the ring, distracting the referee by throwing the world title in the ring.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • Mechanically, the Deadwood is closely related to the Heritage Classic but without the saddlebags, passenger seat, passenger pegs and touring emphasis.
    Josh Max, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • The long saddle, rear foot pegs and 350-pound payload capacity also make the Ranger suitable for riders who want to share parts of the journey.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • To my mind, champagne is more or less an everyday beverage, the perfect aperitif.
    Jay McInerney, Air Mail, 25 July 2026
  • The brand takes its cues from French aperitif culture, blending culinary botanicals with adaptogens meant to add a functional element to social drinking.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 22, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • The Better Business Bureau is warning residents to watch for high-pressure sales tactics from storm chasers — contractors who knock on doors unannounced in the aftermath of severe weather.
    Derek James, CBS News, 22 June 2026
  • What better chaser to The Wizard of Oz than The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which is essentially just The Wizard of Oz with hipper songs and better makeup?
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Whet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whet. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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