as in sniffing
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
Relevance
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 whiffing
The Mets struggled against right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski, whiffing on his four-seam fastball and his splitter.
—
Abbey Mastracco, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026
The Slovenian star shook his head in disdain after whiffing on a 3-point attempt from the top of the key, the ball falling well short of the rim.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2026
The arrival of the 31-year-old on a $26 million, two-year deal could be viewed as a penalty for whiffing on Kris Jenkins.
—Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
After whiffing nine batters in his first start of the season, the UTSA transfer has now collected double-digit strikeouts in three consecutive outings.
—David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026
Johnson’s been whiffing on the open stuff in a make-or-miss league.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 2 Mar. 2026
This is still like the administration whiffing on the Epstein files.
—NBC news, 21 Dec. 2025
The Houston Astros are in a tough spot after whiffing on the postseason last season.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
And after whiffing on Mazi Smith in the first round in 2023, grabbing a defensive tackle like Walter Nolen also presented some intrigue.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Dec. 2025
Abbey Mastracco, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026
The Slovenian star shook his head in disdain after whiffing on a 3-point attempt from the top of the key, the ball falling well short of the rim.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2026
The arrival of the 31-year-old on a $26 million, two-year deal could be viewed as a penalty for whiffing on Kris Jenkins.
—Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
After whiffing nine batters in his first start of the season, the UTSA transfer has now collected double-digit strikeouts in three consecutive outings.
—David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026
Johnson’s been whiffing on the open stuff in a make-or-miss league.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 2 Mar. 2026
This is still like the administration whiffing on the Epstein files.
—NBC news, 21 Dec. 2025
The Houston Astros are in a tough spot after whiffing on the postseason last season.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
And after whiffing on Mazi Smith in the first round in 2023, grabbing a defensive tackle like Walter Nolen also presented some intrigue.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whiffing
Verb
-
Airport-style baggage and body scanners have been installed at facility entrances and the county has increased the frequency of searches and the use of drug-sniffing canines.—
Jason Henry,
Daily News,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The Warriors, according to Yahoo’s Kevin O’Connor, have begun sniffing around current Florida coach Todd Golden as a potential replacement if the 60-year-old Kerr does not return.—
Michael Nowels,
Mercury News,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Deer have been known to steer clear of strong-smelling fragrances, such as soap.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Eyewitnesses reported hearing gunshots and smelling gun powder, but details of the incident remain unclear.—
Michelle Tauber,
PEOPLE,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
For breathwork, Yasinksi recommends inhaling for four seconds, pausing for four seconds at the top, and then exhaling slowly.—
Lesly Gregory,
AJC.com,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Those with asthma or other breathing illnesses are more sensitive to hydrogen sulfide and may have trouble breathing after inhaling it.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
18 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whiffing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whiffing. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
