whiz 1 of 3

noun (1)

variants or whizz
Definition of whiznext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in hum
a monotonous sound like that of an insect in motion the irritating whiz of a bee in the room

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

whiz

2 of 3

noun (2)

1
as in expert
a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field the computer whiz to whom we all go when we're having problems, which is fairly often

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wizard
a very smart person one of those whizzes who does very well in every subject

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

whiz

3 of 3

verb

ˈ(h)wiz How to pronounce whiz (audio)
variants or whizz
1
as in to hiss
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 hum
to fly, turn, or move rapidly with a fluttering or vibratory sound many vehicles were whizzing past us at breakneck speeds

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Since the project’s 2023 launch, its hard-charging CEO Jeff Yan (check out Fortune’s profile of the Harvard grad and physics whiz here) has been content to use an offshore cowboy model to grow Hyperliquid. — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026 Melissa Jenkins recently told The Tennessean that her mom was a gardener and a whiz in the kitchen known for her down-home cooking, specializing in dishes like meat loaf, friend chicken, and macaroni and cheese. — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
In an open field, arrows whizzed through the humid June air and struck their targets. — Lydia McFarlane, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026 There’s no better view than from whizzing over the water on these scenic bridges. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for whiz
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whiz
  1. whistle
  2. hum
  3. expert
  4. wizard
  5. hiss
  6. buzz
  7. sizzle
  8. purr
Noun
  • Viel was looking to create a spark, first with a hard forecheck behind the Philadelphia net, then with some elbows after the whistle in front of it.
    — Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The films about them have in turn evolved from coming-of-age stories and stylish bio-pics into whistle-blower dramas and dark thrillers.
    — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of whistle
Noun
  • Jane Marsching, swathed in a deep-blue apron printed with white leaves, hums beneath a linden tree.
    — Kendra Nordin Beato, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The spa Floating above the turquoise waters, the spa is made up of a reception and five different treatment huts—each one soundtracked by the hum of the ocean.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of hum
Noun
  • In 2008, in Texas, geologist and Petrohawk Energy cofounder Dick Stoneburner—a great name for a shale rock expert—helped pioneer drilling and fracking and led the discovery of the Eagle Ford Shale oil boom in South Texas.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The Challenges Creating a compelling reason to visit a convenience store is a big challenge for small-format outlets in India, experts said.
    — Priyanka Salve,Jenny Lee, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of expert
Noun
  • Produced by Hollywood stunt champs 87North, the hard-hitting wizards that have been redefining fight choreography since John Wick, Violent Night 2, like its predecessor, promises heaps of gory and satisfyingly kinetic fight scenes.
    — Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The team was blessed in absentia by Pope Leo XIV and routinely wanded by the wizard.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of wizard
Verb
  • In the first week of the COVID shutdown, Holmes packed her two hissing black cats, donned an N95 mask and flew to LAX.
    — Meredith Maran, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • This step is what brought us here, to Ponysaurus, filling out the online notice to the tune of a hissing compressor that kept clean air moving through the brewing system.
    — Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of hiss
Verb
  • During the session, moderated by Grace Barber-Plentie, BFI London Film Festival programmer, the star repeatedly drew applause and laughter from an adoring crowd that left the room buzzing about Ackie’s passion and natural charisma.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026
  • With the Air Jordan 4’s buzz still at a peak, now could be the perfect time to complete the trio with a retail release.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of buzz
Noun
  • In essence, The Most Dangerous Games is a gamble that the product doesn’t matter as much as the brand, that consumers buy the sizzle, not the steak.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
  • August's sizzle also helped push the globe and the United States to swelter through the hottest Northern Hemisphere summer scientists have measured.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of sizzle
Noun
  • Highlights and experiences It is always a special event stepping out of Venice’s airport onto a pontoon and a polished mahogany water taxi that drops you off canalside near your hotel, after a purr through the Grand Canal.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Kimie Smothermon begins each day greeted by the squeals, chirps and purrs of nearly 400 guinea pigs.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of purr

Browse Nearby Words

whittling (down)
whiz
whizzed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whiz.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whiz. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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