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
Just as there’s no dramatic build-up to Maria landing the part, there’s no romance to the process of acting it, nor the slightest whiff of self-satisfaction in recreating iconic scenes. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 21 Mar. 2025 The abstract floral perfume settles into an earthy base of aged musk, roots, and—at the tail end—a whiff of black coffee. Jenny Berg, Allure, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
Amick is a prototypical right-handed slugger who hits the ball really hard and figures to whiff a lot, although his strikeout rates thus far haven’t been red flags. Aaron Gleeman, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025 Soler badly whiffed through the pitch; Ray stuck with what worked. Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for whiff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whiff
Noun
  • California beach towns — like Ventura, Pismo Beach or Encinitas — tend to be outdoorsy and mellow with a hint of boho energy.
    Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Be warned: This article includes hints and comments that may contain spoilers for today’s puzzle.
    New York Times Games, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • More inspiring still is to be tucked low in the wraparound-leather cockpit and savoring the sounds, smells, and sensations of driving a Lamborghini legend.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Want to feel your movie seat move, get pelted by wind and snow or even smell a certain scent?
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The coach listens not just for answers, but for glimmers—early signals of ideas that could be shaped into something bigger.
    Rhea Wessel, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • However, the glimmers of optimism surrounding the tariffs did not last.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Drama, romance and a thriller plot ensue as Frank tries to sniff out a dangerous stalker, with the final act playing out as Rachel wins the Best Picture Academy Award.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Even more recent examples have struggled to maintain their early chart success, like Capaldi, who was touted as a male Adele after sending two songs to the top ten in 2019 and 2020, but has barely sniffed the Hot 100 since.
    Justin Curto, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Another great one is the 4-7-8 breath, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system: inhale for four counts, hold for seven and exhale slowly for eight.
    Michelle Stansbury, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But inhaling enough can turn the act of breathing into an existential hazard, prompting or worsening asthma, COPD, respiratory infections, and permanent lung damage.
    Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Whiff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whiff. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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