WHETS Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

whets 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of whet

as in sharpens

to make sharp or sharper whetted the knife with the grindstone

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

whets

2 of 2

noun

plural of whet

as in nips

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

nonintoxicants

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 whets

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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whets

Verb

Clarity delivered with genuine respect sharpens leadership rather than weakening it.

— Vaishali Dev, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2026
Blind, which follows a writer whose loss of sight sharpens her creative imagination, premiered in Sundance and Berlin.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of sharpens

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 nips

Noun

The size and specialized nature of these loads can also create opportunities for carriers to take on new customers and routes.

— Kevin Williams, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026
Faster speeds generally mean a compromise in quality, multi-color 3D printers often waste some filament, and higher volume loads usually demand more hardware.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of loads

Noun

The glossy patent leather gives the sandals an elevated look, while the silver-tone hardware on the oversized buckle pops against the rich purple strap.

— Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 4 Sep. 2026
Her travel wardrobe trick is packing around a palette; in this case, a summery blend of blues with pops of marigold and mint layered in.

— Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of pops

Noun

Fast forward 10 years and City head to Old Trafford this weekend looking fresh after an extensive squad overhaul, with three league victories out of three under their belts.

— Sam Lee, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Unlike a year ago, both teams come in with a game under their belts, so the offenses with plentiful playmakers should operate more crisply.

— Eddie Timanus, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of belts

Noun

With the light load of powder that was behind them, these slugs couldn’t possibly have killed the tigress unless an extremely lucky shot had put them into a vital area at very close range.

— Leslie E. Tassell, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026
Remember to bury the container deep enough to let the slugs in and out.

— Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2026