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

Read alongside the research, Harari’s argument sharpens the problem.

— Deepa Nagraj, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
The Quick Edge Knife Sharpener has more than 11,000 positive reviews and sharpens almost any straight-edge knife with just a couple of gentle passes.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of sharpens

Noun

Grace Geyoro patrols the midfield and constantly nips in for interceptions.

— Michael Cox, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of nips

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

The time-only two-hander is resolutely Brutalist in style, with sharp, geometric lines, an ultra-thin rectangular case, and bold pops of burgundy.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2026
Expect a rich palette of creams, golds, seas of blues, and pops of burgundy nestled against dark wood furniture and an array of textured fabrics.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of pops

Noun

After axemen cleared paths through the oaks, elms, and basswoods, the surveyors stretched a standardized measure called a Gunter’s chain—a hundred links to a chain, eighty chains to a mile—and marked the distances with tally pegs.

— Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
Anniversaries are ready pegs for journalists, sometimes reached for too automatically.

— Kurt Shillinger, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of pegs

Noun

Palace wall paintings, floral motifs and intricate carvings are used in modern forms for silver and champagne gold anchor statement earrings, layered necklaces, cuffs, rings, brooches and belts.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026
The Rulebook Is Behind The Technology Seat belts did not become standard because manufacturers volunteered.

— Alan Rencher, Forbes.com, 2 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