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 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 The strategy appears to have whetted the appetites of billionaire buyers, but recent wins may not signal the market’s long-term recovery. Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 19 May 2026 That whetted her competitive desire. Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for whet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whet
Verb
  • The scribe carefully inscribed each line with a quill made from a goose feather, while their other hand wielded an erasing knife used to sharpen the quill and scrape away any mistakes.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
  • Your 3rd House of Communication awakens as the intuitive Moon moves in, sharpening timing and nudging you to say what helps tasks move.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • MetroLoft added roughly 18,000 square feet to 15 upper floors, and the additional load caused two columns to bend, Berman said.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
  • At a press conference at the site, Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani said that the city was bringing in emergency beams and columns to help shore up some of the unstable building’s load.
    Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 8 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
  • The voluminous sleeves add dimension while balancing your proportions, and the adjustable belt cinches the waist for a flattering, customized fit.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026
  • Our tip for creating a truly cool look is to pair a simple white T-shirt or tank with your long denim shorts, then go big with a fun belt and matching bag.
    Emma Bocchi, Glamour, 7 July 2026
Noun
  • Storage is clever, with cubbies, peg walls, and fold-down desks (Executive Kings offer full desks).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026
  • Then there’s heated handlebars and seats, floorboards, highway pegs, brake and gear-lever pads, heel-shifter, and the King Tour-Pak, like the Street Glide Limited above.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 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

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Cite this Entry

“Whet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whet. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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