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
Other linen sprays make the most ordinary bedroom smell like a luxury hotel or offer a trip to Hawaii via a whiff of gardenia. Jenny Berg, Allure, 20 Feb. 2025 This is a first-round pick built like a skyscraper who tosses a 97-mph fastball and a couple of secondary pitches that induce a bunch of whiffs. Zack Meisel, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
Even if the Pats whiff on both players, there are several other free agents at their positions who deserve big paydays and could land in New England; from Buccaneers wideout Chris Godwin to Chiefs receiver Marquise Brown and Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 16 Feb. 2025 Wrote Thomas Harrigan: Profar not only refined his approach at the plate, recording the lowest chase (21.9%) and whiff (17.0%) rates of his big league tenure, but also did more damage on contact than ever before. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for whiff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whiff
Noun
  • These protections, granted at a time when the auto industry boomed and no hint of competition from foreign automakers crested the horizon, would not be considered burdensome for the Detroit Three for decades.
    Jackie Charniga, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Each of these picks brings a relaxed, elegant vibe with just a hint of drama—perfect for pairing with pointy heels at Easter or fisherman sandals on vacation.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The air smelled of wood smoke and two-stroke engine exhaust.
    Emily Schwing, NPR, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The cities are so close that Detroiters can smell the drying grain at Windsor’s Hiram Walker distillery and Windsor can hear the music drifting from Detroit’s outdoor concert venues.
    Sally Ho, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • His win is a glimmer of hope for those who don’t live in mansions but just want to make movies.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 3 Mar. 2025
  • No Other Land, about the destruction of a West Bank community, offers a glimmer of hope in the bond between an Israeli and a Palestinian.
    Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Copeland had recently retired from two decades of service in the Air Force, most of that time in canine units, running kennels and training dogs to sniff out narcotics and explosives, among other tasks.
    Andrea Hsu, NPR, 20 Feb. 2025
  • That was backed up by a panel of experts sniffing the air and describing the quality, intensity and pleasantness of the smells, like mummy sommeliers.
    Michael Irving, New Atlas, 13 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Over time, those items break down into tiny bits that people can inhale, ingest, or absorb through their skin.
    Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Respiratory problems: Regurgitated stomach acids that reach the back of your throat can be inhaled and cause irritation in your lungs and airways.
    Mark Gurarie, Health, 7 Mar. 2025

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“Whiff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whiff. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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