WHETTING Synonyms: 15 Similar and Opposite Words

whetting

verb

present participle of whet

as in sharpening

to make sharp or sharper whetted the knife with the grindstone

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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 whetting 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 After six weeks whetting blades in the factory on a grinding belt, Brigitte received a silver motorbike. — Simon Akam, Vanity Fair, 2 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whetting

Verb

The project unfolds amid court orders to add thousands of units on the 388-acre campus, sharpening questions over whether preserving historic buildings outweighs creating far more veteran housing.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Beyond that, sharpening a feel for when the initial danger has diminished should help the quarterback find a little extra time and space to reset and attack.

— Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of sharpening

Verb

The process begins by crushing and grinding magnets before digestion and separation of base metals, including iron, manganese, aluminum, nickel, copper, and boron.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026
But the wins have, largely, been grinding contests reliant on perfect pitching and nail-biting relief.

— Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of grinding

Browse Nearby Words

whetted

whetting

whey-faced

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“Whetting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whetting. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of whetting

verb

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