whiz 1 of 3

variants or whizz
1
as in whistle
a sound similar to the speech sound \s\ stretched out the whiz of an arrow flying by at an uncomfortably close range

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2

whiz

2 of 3

noun (2)

whiz

3 of 3

verb

variants or whizz
1
as in to whistle
to make a sound like that of stretching out the speech sound \s\ just hearing the bullets whiz as they fly by their heads must be terrifying for soldiers

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in to buzz
to fly, turn, or move rapidly with a fluttering or vibratory sound many vehicles were whizzing past us at breakneck speeds

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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 whiz
Noun
Golden is known to be an analytics whiz who looks to the numbers to guide his game plans, while Sampson is much more old school. Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025 For event questions or to register via phone, call (858) 215-2570. Art of Wine with Barbara Baxter Join wine whiz Barbara Baxter, who trained at Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Napa and studied in Italy and France, on a delightful romp through cultural history paired with harmonious wines. Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
For the second time, a Trocheck turnover led to a Wild goal, this time short-handed, when Johansson whizzed a shot from atop the circles off Nyquist’s setup. Michael Russo, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025 If he’d been stood with his legs open, the ball may have whizzed between them. Michael Cox, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for whiz
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whiz
Verb
  • Throughout the season, there have been numerous occasions when the Bernabeu stadium has whistled at their team for their play and results.
    Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Indeed, there was certainly demand to hear the gender-critical perspective: The event was sold out, and the applause lasted over a minute when the two speakers walked onstage, complete with hooting, hollering, and whistling.
    Abigail Anthony, National Review, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Leonard was buzzing around the net and effectively baited Canadiens defenceman Kaiden Guhle into some post-whistle contact.
    Arpon Basu, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The Temple buzzed with the thrills and demands of serving entertainment and spiritual solace to thousands of people a week.
    Claire Hoffman, Rolling Stone, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Quit bugging me with El Paso Zoo The El Paso Zoo in El Paso, Texas is once again naming Madagascar hissing cockroaches after exes.
    Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025
  • This week, Matt Ritchie compared Wembley 2023 to a party balloon that had been inflated for a fortnight; by the day of the game, air was hissing out.
    George Caulkin, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Innovation was key with Neptune zooming through Aquarius to the beginning of Pisces.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The man raced along the 91 Freeway in a white pickup truck before zooming onto surface streets, where police officers made several unsuccessful attempts to halt the truck, the station reported.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The inquiries appeared to have fizzled out and did not result in any charges.
    Andy Kroll, ProPublica, 28 Apr. 2025
  • This paradigm fizzled last year, but has an outstanding long-term record.
    John Dorfman, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Explore ancient ruins, zip through the countryside in a sidecar, or visit a local temple where hill tribes and Buddhist cultures meet.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Instead, Tehran’s representatives sat in one room, Washington’s in another, while Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi zipped back and forth with messages.
    Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • When the ball swished through the net, the tablet vibrated.
    Russell Leung, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Two minutes later, Cryer swished a 3, giving Houston a 50-48 lead, its first since the early minutes of the first half.
    Doug Haller, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The scallops sizzle in a hot carbon-steel skillet on the stove, and Kolender transfers the pan to the high-heat broiler.
    Betty Hallock, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025
  • McCarty, making only his 15th PGA Tour-level start and his first in the Masters, is no stranger to sizzling on the golf course.
    Bob Spear, Charlotte Observer, 11 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Whiz.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whiz. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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