whet 1 of 2

verb

ˈ(h)wet How to pronounce whet (audio)
Definition of whetnext
as in to sharpen
to make sharp or sharper whetted the knife with the grindstone

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

whet

2 of 2

noun

as in load

Related Words

Dissimilar 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 whet
Verb
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 The wait only whetted Arsenal’s appetite for the big moment. — Art De Roché, New York Times, 24 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for whet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whet
  1. sharpen
  2. load
  3. tot
  4. nip
  5. belt
  6. peg
  7. aperitif
  8. chaser
Verb
  • That extra size collects far more light, sharpens detail (especially on planets) and gives brighter views of fainter deep sky objects.
    — Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The perfume opens with the tartness of fig sharpened by a sprinkle of black pepper.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of sharpen
Noun
  • River levels are so low that commercial ships have had to reduce their loads by as much as 80% to avoid running aground.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Airlines may have to lighten the load by removing passengers or cargo, or carrying less fuel.
    — Rio Yamat, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of load
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
Definition of tot
Noun
  • Pay attention to the temperatures in your area; there may be a nighttime nip in the air in the upper South, while most Southern states don’t see real heat relief until late October (if then).
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Mercifully, Candace nips that potential Harold and Maude situation in the bud, leaving Steenburgen with her dignity intact.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2026
Definition of nip
Noun
  • Saturday produced zero title changes across six matches, so Corbin's win was the first belt to move all weekend.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Asteroid mining is also mentioned as a potential opportunity, which would entail extracting metals and other critical resources from near-Earth and main-belt asteroids.
    — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of belt
Noun
  • In the late 1990s, a multi‑year dollar climb made currency pegs and managed exchange rate regimes in Indonesia, Korea, and Thailand impossible to defend.
    — William Pesek, Forbes.com, 31 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
Definition of peg
Noun
  • Know which drink to order at what time Drinking is also quite codified; with meals wine is the most common, but vermouth is often enjoyed as an aperitif before dining.
    — Marti Buckley, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026
  • To my mind, champagne is more or less an everyday beverage, the perfect aperitif.
    — Jay McInerney, Air Mail, 25 July 2026
Definition of aperitif
Noun
  • Ring chaser, or 'continious chaser' as O'Neal put it, the labels and even the predictions don't matter at this point.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of chaser

Browse Nearby Words

wherry
whet
whether or no
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whet. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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