Synonyms of whiff

whiff 1 of 2

noun

ˈ(h)wif 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hint
• glimmer
• flicker
• touch
• breath
• suggestion
• trace
• scent
• sign
• tang
• evidence
• wind
• inkling
• indication
• intimation
• mark

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• saturation
• permeation
• pervasion

whiff

2 of 2

verb

as in to smell

to become aware of by means of the sense organs in the nose

whiffed the pot of chili on the stove and announced that he was staying for dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

• smell
• sniff
• inhale
• scent
• snuff
• nose
• drink (in)
• breathe
• snort
• savor
• respire
• snuffle

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of whiff

Noun

Now, the host is taking a whiff of the feet of her cohosts, Ross Mathews and Sunny Anderson. —Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Oct. 2025

There was a whiff of criticism in the air toward luxury brands for cutting ties or significantly scaling back their partnership with independent retailers as part of a widespread direct retail-centric approach the sector has seen in recent years. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025

Verb

The Pats have whiffed just five times the last two weeks combined, and know that slowing the 221-pound Judkins will be critical against one of the NFL’s least explosive offenses trying to methodically kill clock through small gains. —Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 25 Oct. 2025

Donte Jackson whiffed on an early tackle. —Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2025