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

Like anticipation for an upcoming summer blockbuster movie, the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll whets the appetite for college football fans ahead of the teams returning to the field. — Erick Smith, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026 One section tracks the influence of the Alhambra complex, in Granada, where artists trekked to whet their appetites for the exotic. — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 13 July 2026 Ahead of the show’s release, FX has planned ice cream trucks themed to each previous season at San Diego Comic-Con to whet fans’ appetite. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 10 July 2026 The team whetted fans’ appetites by promising initiatives involving Fieri throughout the race season. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for whet

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whet

Verb

The push to diversify marks a shift in the strategy Doustdar laid out after taking over as CEO last year, when Novo sharpened its focus on its core obesity and diabetes businesses and moved away from expanding into new areas.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 21 Sep. 2026
According to Disney, the hiring of Anand illustrates that D’Amaro is sharpening the company’s focus on technology as a growth driver.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of sharpen

Noun

The museum has drawn loads of applause but also plenty of criticism, mostly for its lack of context via wall text, and for displaying art that not everyone agrees should be elevated.

— Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
The work is to keep asking, at every new scale, which of your commitments are still load-bearing, and to notice the moment one of them is not.

— Amir Wain, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of load

Noun

From cherry cola ribs and chicken chili tot pie to beer cheese broccoli orzo soup and Nashville hot chicken and pickle dip, check out Spence's recipes below.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
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

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

Ashley marched down the runway in a custom pinstripe Tod’s suit detailed with a belt displaying her initials.

— Joan Kennedy, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2026
Bill Kirby, the owner of Kirby's Lobster Shack who WMTV reports has more than four decades under his belt, and his crew hauled in the rare lobster last Wednesday during what was a routine day.

— Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of belt

Noun

One of his earliest experiments at university was an ordinary clothes peg recreated in sterling silver.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026
One is straightforward schadenfreude, the human instinct to ensure those who get a little big for their boots are knocked down a peg or two.

— Amitai Winehouse, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of peg

Noun

Bitter foods have been used for generations to kick digestion into gear, whether that meant a bitter aperitif before a meal or a sharp green tossed on the plate first.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of aperitif

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“Whet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whet. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of whet

verb

noun

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