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
  • Now, Porsha is sharpening her knives before going in for the kill, adding a hilarious edge to an already delightfully macabre episode.
    Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 20 July 2026
  • While artists are focusing on sharpening their skills and expanding their reach, their releases are being used to train models that replicate the output of real musicians quicker than performers can safeguard their intellectual property.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • Bloomberg’s report also mentions several new metrics Samsung has in the pipeline for the Health app, including daily cardio load, heart health score, vascular load, and fitness index.
    Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 22 July 2026
  • An integrated rear rack with a 150-pound load limit provides room for a cooler, small tent, or other outdoor essentials.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 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
  • The audience is a sea of cowboy hats, dinner-plate-sized belt buckles, and snakeskin boots.
    Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 21 July 2026
  • The organization had tightened its belt in recent years, stripping away some amenities and keeping departments on tight budgets to rebuild reserves.
    Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • Use some bike pant pegs to ensure the fabric doesn’t snag when cycling!
    Alexandra Pereira, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
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 28 Jul. 2026.

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