whiff 1 of 2

as in hint
an almost imperceptible sign of something even a whiff of appreciation for everything I've done for her would have been nice

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whiff

2 of 2

verb

as in to smell
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

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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 whiff
Noun
Peterson used his sinker to induce ground-balls, and a changeup below the zone got whiffs. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2025 And a deeper survey of songs from mid- and later-period LPs would have tamped down the whiff of nostalgia. Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
Nick San Miguel of Around the Foghorn recently suggested the Giants could swing xa trade for Cleveland Guardians Gold Glove outfielder Steven Kwan in the offseason after whiffing at the trade deadline. Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025 The Sox whiffed on 15 of 39 swings against him. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for whiff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whiff
Noun
  • Meanwhile, glitter shadow spilled under her eyes, filling in her waterline next to a brown eyeliner with hints of gold.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The Crafted Flatzz are available in five different artisanal recipes, according to Pizza Hut, including a Three Cheese Flatzz that is layered with sweet marinara sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, Romano and a hint of oregano.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • No one wants to use a bathroom that smells stale (or worse).
    Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
  • But that did little to allay the concerns of Dermish and his neighbors, who continued to see flares light up the sky and to smell gas wafting over the community.
    ProPublica, ProPublica, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Chiefs fans had a brief glimmer of hope as a flag was thrown on LA’s touchdown.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
  • There were glimmers of the magnificent past at the 2024 French Open against Iga Swiatek when Osaka won the second set 6-1 and was within a point of going 5-1 up in the decider.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • So, like two detectives sniffing a break in a case, Richardson and Soto further investigated, scanning more clips in search of supporting evidence.
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Hired by Leo's sister-in-law (Shailene Woodley), Detective Bali sniffs out the winding secrets of the powerful Vardakis family, unraveling a crime of passion.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • When dust is inhaled, the particles can collect in your lungs and lead to respiratory issues.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Under Robinson’s leadership, a team of his firm’s attorneys fought and won an 18-year court battle on behalf of the state’s victims of brown lung, a disease that strikes textile workers who inhale particles from raw cotton.
    Michael Gordon, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Whiff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whiff. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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