Definition of whetnext
as in to sharpen
to make sharp or sharper whetted the knife with the grindstone

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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
  • Our editorial focus is sharpening around Black women as travelers, entrepreneurs, cultural architects, and community builders.
    Daphne Bryson Jackson, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026
  • Corbin’s arrival gives that group a heel anchor instead of a field of babyfaces jockeying for the same spot, which sharpens the direction heading into summer.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Noun
  • It isn't meant to house a bed but simply to open up space above the 205 x 186-cm (81 x 73-in) master king bed, creating a more complete bedroom that gives sleepers loads of space to sit up comfortably.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 July 2026
  • This one has a lid to ensure no pile is ever seen, no matter how long it's been since your last load.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • Then the man would offer the tot a small treat—a marshmallow, all white and plush.
    Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 16 June 2026
  • The tot sported a bandana around his neck and a pair of overalls for the occasion — very on-theme.
    Alexandra Schonfeld, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • October brings not only fall colors, but also a refreshing nip to the air, great for hiking.
    Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 21 June 2026
  • Let’s nip this in the bud before every agency has a line item for twice the necessary labor cost.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • They can also be worn with a shirtdress or a pair of long shorts and a thin belt.
    Alex Sales, Glamour, 14 July 2026
  • Emmet Sheehan battles through 5⅓ strong innings and Shohei Ohtani belts his ninth leadoff homer, but the Dodgers are swept for the first time this season.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
Noun
  • Use some bike pant pegs to ensure the fabric doesn’t snag when cycling!
    Alexandra Pereira, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026
  • Storage is clever, with cubbies, peg walls, and fold-down desks (Executive Kings offer full desks).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026
Noun
  • Or a Lavender Sour, built with its namesake flower, alongside ELYX Single Estate Vodka and an elegant Italian aperitif.
    Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Lillet Blanc is a floral French aperitif that's boozier than wine but breezier than gin, and our refreshing take uses rosemary simple syrup and a splash of bubbly.
    Ashlyn Ware, Midwest Living, 20 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on whet

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster