as in hint
an almost imperceptible sign of something
even a whiff of appreciation for everything I've done for her would have been nice
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of whiff
Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 5 Feb. 2026
And without a whiff of complacency.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
Backup offensive lineman Thayer Munford whiffed blocking the Patriots' first run, but otherwise mowed defenders down as a fullback and moving tight end.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for whiff
Noun
The olfactory nerve is so tied to the brain’s limbic system, including the amygdala and hippocampus, that the merest whiff can trigger a powerful rush of memories.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 5 Feb. 2026
And without a whiff of complacency.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
The Cubs had whiffed on Bregman a year earlier when they were outbid by the Boston Red Sox, and chairman Ricketts had repeatedly expressed his revulsion for going over the luxury tax.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
Backup offensive lineman Thayer Munford whiffed blocking the Patriots' first run, but otherwise mowed defenders down as a fullback and moving tight end.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for whiff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whiff
Noun
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Fans are buzzing about an Act III album release date, every potential hint will be fully examined—and that includes her nails!—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
17 Feb. 2026
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Their hardware not only adds a hint of shine to the monochromatic outfit but also keeps the outfit fresh and unexpected.—
Shelby Comroe,
InStyle,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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However, some dogs avoid pills or spit them out due to smell, look or general unfamiliarity.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Now, imagine what that moment would smell like.—
Allure,
Allure,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The novel is famously austere, with mere glimmers of physical intimacy.—
Emily Zemler,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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Some believe the ouster of strongman leader Nicolás Maduro offers a glimmer of hope for rebuilding institutions and guaranteeing citizens’ rights.—
CNN 9 hr ago,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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And given that two cops are already sniffing around the Redfellows’ sudden propensity for premature expiration, Becket finds himself in quite a predicament.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
19 Feb. 2026
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The same disaster that flirted with Canada early in the day was sniffing around Team USA on Wednesday.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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They can also be inhaled — particularly when heated during styling — and absorbed through a person’s hands.—
Claretta Bellamy,
NBC news,
12 Feb. 2026
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Your daughter breathes that same air, inhaling the virus directly into her respiratory tract.—
Elizabeth Bruenig,
The Atlantic,
12 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whiff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whiff. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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