whiff 1 of 2

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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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

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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 whiff
Noun
Another marker of the time is that there’s a faint whiff of smoke on the palate, although no peat was used during production. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2025 These had a whiff of the provocative — often viral — streetwear-leaning creations by Demna. Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
The Houston Astros whiffed on six of their 10 swings against him, including four of five against his sweeper. Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 28 Sep. 2025 Instead, after whiffing on Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley and Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin, the Pats pushed all their chips in to land him. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for whiff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whiff
Noun
  • As Crane hints, Brooke’s take on the eighteenth-century sentimental romance would be a controversial selection as Canada’s first.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Dæmons seem to be an outward manifestation of the complex nature of humans that encompasses, male, female and animalistic characteristics that hint towards the breaking of gender binaries and the possibilities of interspecies relations.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Red Lane Spa, which smelled of ylang-ylang and frangipani, was another highlight.
    Essence, Essence, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The air smells of rust and salt.
    Jeff Pearlman, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Within both design and fashion, the Middle East is one of those buoyant markets providing a glimmer of hope amid a difficult economy worldwide.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Today’s flight offers a glimmer of hope that a V3 booster catch could be on the horizon.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Common signals include sniffing, circling, squatting, or whining.
    Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The picture shows them on the floor together with Comet fully exposing his belly, a sign of trust, while Dottie sniffs him.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Its use was banned in many countries around the turn of the millennium amid concerns that the fibers, when airborne, could result in potentially fatal lung diseases if inhaled.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Miners argue increased subjection to the dust has led to an eruption of black lung, an incurable disease associated with inhaling the particles.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Whiff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whiff. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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