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

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

Put the three crises side by side and the picture sharpens further.

— Frank Ahrens, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
The understanding with Mbappe, always lightning quick to make his move, only sharpens the most dangerous connection at the World Cup.

— Thom Harris, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of sharpens

Noun

The market is doing the Fed’s job Kevin Warsh’s argument for an ultimately lower Fed funds rate may rely on the notion that financial conditions are likely to tighten further on the long end of the yield curve—far outweighing any nips to the base rate the central bank can make.

— Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 27 May 2026
Leclerc still can’t steer right at full speed, so Verstappen nips ahead for good measure at the final corner.

— Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 11 May 2026

Definition of nips

Noun

This chic all-inclusive resort made its debut in 2021, showing off pops of vibrant colors in the modern lobby and room designs.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026
Try wide-leg palazzo pants paired with a scoop-neck tank, punctuated by pops of gold via your belt and earrings.

— Kelsey Stewart, Glamour, 18 July 2026

Definition of pops

Noun

Use some bike pant pegs to ensure the fabric doesn’t snag when cycling!

— Alexandra Pereira, Travel + Leisure, 10 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

Definition of pegs

Noun

The strong undercard also features two world title fights, with Hamzah Sheeraz and Josh Kelly defending their belts.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Keeping coolant levels topped off, checking belts and hoses, and ensuring your engine isn’t overheating all contribute to overall performance, including the air conditioning system.

— Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 20 July 2026

Definition of belts

Noun

Firefly larvae, on the other hand, are usually carnivorous and may feed on soft-bodied insects, slugs, snails, and worms.

— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2026
Larger pests, like slugs, are best controlled with hand-picking or by companion planting petunias with plants that naturally deter pests.

— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 14 July 2026