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

Their 2024 Sauvignon Blanc is composed of 89 percent Sauvignon Blanc and 11 percent Semillon and has aromas of orange peel, peach, and a whiff of Bartlett pear. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2026

But both would purge the coterie of advisers around Zelensky, who many of the Ukrainian president’s critics believe are responsible for bad decisions, and whiff of corruption. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

Verb

Dodgers reliever Will Klein had just induced the Mets’ Marcus Semien to whiff on a high heater. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026

Meanwhile, teams that whiffed on KD were forced to resort to alternative options. — Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026