HISS Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

hiss 1 of 2

noun

Definition of hiss

as in whistle

a sound similar to the speech sound \s\ stretched out the hiss of air escaping from a balloon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in snort

a vocal sound made to express scorn or disapproval there was a chorus of boos and hisses from the fans when the umpire called the runner out

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hiss

2 of 2

verb

ˈhis

as in to bubble

to make a sound like that of stretching out the speech sound \s\ the frightened kitten hissed at us when we tried to pick it up

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 hiss

Noun

He was shown a yellow card for excessive celebration, which drew loud boos and hisses from the fans. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2026 Across 17 tracks, guitar riffs curdle into sheets of distortion, melodies dissolve into electronic hiss, and grooves are chronically interrupted by fresh rhythmic detours. — Arman Khan, Pitchfork, 4 Aug. 2026

Verb

And in 2022, Japanese researchers turned a Madagascar hissing cockroach into a cyborg for search-and-rescue missions using a similar, though more sophisticated, approach. — ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026 Wynn said the alligator started to get agitated and even opened its mouth and hissed at her. — Steven Yablonski, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hiss

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hiss

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

The class had been quiet after the camp text, but now there was at least one snort.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
The Rodents of Unusual Size that attack Westley in a swamp work because they are played by small men in rodent suits, rather than coolly conjured from pixels; their deliberate artifice is the thrill, and Reiner provided the voice for their hideous snorts.

— Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2025

Definition of snort

Verb

Rumors of Frow’s impending departure had been bubbling in the industry in some months.

— K.J. Yossman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
Anthony Tubbs of the Los Angeles Fire Department said firefighters also responded to reports of flooding in the area and found water bubbling from the street.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of bubble

Verb

But as the movie awkwardly pivots to weighty themes like forgiveness, honor and grief, the initial sparks of subversiveness fizzle out.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Warren’s campaign fizzled out, but President Joe Biden later consulted with the group on a proposal to tax families with more than $100 million in assets.

— Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of fizzle

Verb

Some deer wag more than others, and whitetails will swish more at different times of year—for example, in summer and into early bow season, when pesky bugs hover.

— Tom Carpenter, Outdoor Life, 24 Sep. 2026
Alternatively, slice them crosswise and swish well in a bowl of cold water, then lift them out, leaving the dirt behind in the bowl.

— Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of swish

Noun

Fans who braved the stormy weather caused by Hurricane Isaias rained down boos as Atlanta United picked up another loss, this time to FC Cincinnati 3-1 on Saturday night.

— Amna Subhan, AJC.com, 11 Oct. 2026
But, as the boos reigned down from the Bryant Denny Stadium stands, there was nothing left for the Alabama fans to cheer about after the Bulldogs sacked Keelon Russell on the ensuing play.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of boo

Browse Nearby Words

hirsute

hiss

hissed

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Style

“Hiss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hiss. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of hiss

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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