whiffed

Definition of whiffednext
past tense of whiff
as in sniffed
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

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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 whiffed Seattle whiffed on its 2024 offseason signings of Baker and Tyrel Dodson — after letting Bobby Wagner and Brooks walk in free agency — and the defense suffered in the first half of the season. Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026 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 Midway through the second quarter, USC forward Dayana Mendes whiffed on a 3-point shot, sending an airball effort into the hands of fellow post Yakiya Milton. Benjamin Royer, Daily News, 4 Jan. 2026 What moments hit hardest or whiffed worst for you, Dan? Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Jan. 2026 The New York Mets whiffed on the postseason this year, which seemingly turned up the heat on the front office this offseason. Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025 Carter Verhaeghe then corralled the puck and whiffed wide on a shot of his own. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2025 He’s whiffed in pass protection a couple of times. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 27 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whiffed
Verb
  • The tougher hurdle, historically speaking, is that the Cowboys haven’t sniffed a conference championship game in Dak’s time.
    Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026
  • McDermott brought legitimacy to an organization that had not sniffed a playoff.
    Gladys Louise Tyler, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The cabin smelled of rot and wood smoke.
    Nick Dothée, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Bobcats guard Mark Drone dribbled into a high ball screen on the right side of the floor; the team's lead bucket-getter smelled an opportunity for a career-defining moment.
    Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • These tiny water droplets—aerosol plumes, according to commercial cleaning expert Shari Cedar—can be inhaled and cover towels, countertops, and, yes, even your toothbrush after a flush.
    Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 17 Jan. 2026
  • Football leans on tradition, providing convenient cover for the NFL’s lenient stance on smelling salts, ammonia crystals that players believe enhance performance when inhaled.
    Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Whiffed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whiffed. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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