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
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Recent Examples of whiffed
The Marlins whiffed on 10 of his sweepers Saturday.
—
Alex Krutchik, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
Trout has also struck out in 29 of his last 81 plate appearances (36%), and in the past week he’s whiffed in 14 of his last 24 trips to the plate.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 31 Aug. 2025
Davidson’s lone bright moment came when senior quarterback Coulter Cleland found receiver Brody Reina for 55 yards after Georgetown defenders jumped the route but whiffed on the tackle.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 30 Aug. 2025
Straw never chased much or whiffed often in his career — consistent contact is his natural strength.
—Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
The Sox whiffed on 15 of 39 swings against him.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Aug. 2025
The Bronx Bombers whiffed on Juan Soto but have since brought in Max Fried, Devin Williams, and Cody Bellinger.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
Again, the humans were told to look for them and still whiffed.
—Derek Newton, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
Phillips jumped ahead of Jose Iglesias with two strikes and the Mets second baseman whiffed at a 96-mph, up-and-away fastball.
—Mike Digiovanna, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2024
Alex Krutchik, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
Trout has also struck out in 29 of his last 81 plate appearances (36%), and in the past week he’s whiffed in 14 of his last 24 trips to the plate.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 31 Aug. 2025
Davidson’s lone bright moment came when senior quarterback Coulter Cleland found receiver Brody Reina for 55 yards after Georgetown defenders jumped the route but whiffed on the tackle.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 30 Aug. 2025
Straw never chased much or whiffed often in his career — consistent contact is his natural strength.
—Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
The Sox whiffed on 15 of 39 swings against him.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Aug. 2025
The Bronx Bombers whiffed on Juan Soto but have since brought in Max Fried, Devin Williams, and Cody Bellinger.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
Again, the humans were told to look for them and still whiffed.
—Derek Newton, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
Phillips jumped ahead of Jose Iglesias with two strikes and the Mets second baseman whiffed at a 96-mph, up-and-away fastball.
—Mike Digiovanna, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whiffed
Verb
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Missouri State, which was an FCS team before this season, squeaked out a field goal in its first drive of the game and had the confidence to attempt a reverse flea flicker on its next possession, but USC’s defense sniffed out the play and pushed the Bears back 11 yards.—
Haley Sawyer,
Oc Register,
31 Aug. 2025
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Even the smallest tendencies get sniffed out quickly.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The vape smoke smelled like unicorn farts.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Sep. 2025
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With no cell service, my two spoiled house pets immediately rebranded themselves as wild animals—sniffing, digging, howling at the moon, and rolling in whatever smelled the worst.—
The Editors,
Outside,
26 Aug. 2025
Verb
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), wildfire smoke can impact anyone's health when inhaled.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
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When dust is inhaled, the particles can collect in your lungs and lead to respiratory issues.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Whiffed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whiffed. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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