whiz 1 of 3

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

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2

whiz

2 of 3

noun (2)

whiz

3 of 3

verb

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

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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

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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
The lodge was subsequently remodeled and expanded by Scots-baronial whiz-kid Robert Lorimer. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Jan. 2026 But if Broncos head coach Sean Payton, a future Hall of Famer and offensive whiz, burns that blitz early, Maye and the offense must patch a few holes the Texans exploited in order to play catch-up. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 20 Jan. 2026
Verb
New Yorkers had a similar mindset, taking to long, empty avenues with skiis to enjoy miniature urban slopes, whizzing past cars buried in the icy mounds. Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026 Though a full moon will spoil the show in 2026, stargazers could be treated to a host of bright fireballs and the sight of multiple meteors per hour whizzing across the night sky at more than 25 miles per second when the Quadrantids peak. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for whiz
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whiz
Verb
  • In 2017 Dikansh Parmar of the Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change in Germany, rescued an Indian cobra (Naja naja) coiled around a train’s window bars that was hissing and, understandably, frightening passengers.
    Richard Kemeny, Scientific American, 6 Feb. 2026
  • If the pressure relief valve begins hissing or spraying water, then something is wrong.
    Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Her Sunnyside restaurant feels like a celebration of cultures, flowing with fruit-forward cocktails, as tables share stews like the red lentil misir humming with heat and warmed with cardamom and cloves.
    Andrea Strong, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Memphis’ offense continued to hum after halftime, taking a 98-85 lead into the fourth quarter.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Paint may not adhere well without extensive sanding and priming, which can lead to bubbling and peeling, explains designer Danielle Chiprut.
    Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Couples dance on the grass while chefs across the park tend bubbling pots of jambalaya and gumbo.
    Phil Thomas, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In San Juan and nearby communities, neighborhoods buzzed as the Super Bowl itself faded into the background and attention turned entirely to Bad Bunny’s 13 minutes on stage.
    Martin Silva Rey, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Seven buzzed the air above the three-compartment sink and three kept landing on a box of avocados next to the cookline.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • These small pets’ active and engaging behavior, from zipping around the tank and finding places to hide in solo play to following movement outside the tank in interactive play, can keep a kid’s attention.
    Sierra Leone Starks, Parents, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The star didn’t zip around on wires and floating platforms to make sure big spenders in the stadium got an unobstructed view.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 9 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Whiz.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whiz. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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