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

But the talent on display whets the appetite for the multihyphenate’s next projects after this work’s debut in Venice as part of the wider Biennale College. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026 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

Still, Mercury in your sign simultaneously sharpens your instincts while also fueling your anxiety, and just as Saturn retrograde challenges you to question whether your routines and habits are actually serving you.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 Oct. 2026
Read alongside the research, Harari’s argument sharpens the problem.

— Deepa Nagraj, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of sharpens

Noun

This is the kind of test that quickly separates a power station that merely has an impressive number printed on its case from one with an inverter and battery management system capable of handling tough, real-world loads.

— Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026
Data collected from the test rig could allow manufacturers to design heat pumps and heat exchangers for high temperatures, large loads, and changing conditions.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of loads

Noun

During our stay, the work of Croatian artist Matej Vuković was on display, bringing pops of brightly colored clouds and unique shapes to the lush green landscape.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2026
Yellow pops with vibrancy when paired with a contrasting purple, but the same shade of yellow can look soft and inviting if paired with cream.

— Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of pops

Noun

The pegs represented individual genes, and the ropes their effects on development.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026
An unlined road leads across a babbling river to reveal a striking gray building up on a hill, a massive barn raised in the traditional style that uses only wood pegs — no nails — to hold the structure together.

— Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of pegs

Noun

For one, belts became a key statement piece — either big as with Celine or triple with Gucci — second only to the enduring charm of chunky jewelry and maxi sunglasses.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
The conveyor belts are just the latest stop in a fairly wacky progression.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of belts

Noun

These beneficial predators spend the winter under leaves, emerging in spring to feed on common garden pests such as aphids, slugs and mites.

— Manjot Kaur Sidhu, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026
Families can learn about slugs, spiders, vultures and more during Creepy Critters Month at the Knoch Knolls Nature Center, 320 Knoch Knolls Road, a park district news release said.

— Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026