WHETS Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

whets 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of whet

as in sharpens

to make sharp or sharper whetted the knife with the grindstone

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

whets

2 of 2

noun

plural of whet

as in nips

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

nonintoxicants

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 whets

Verb

But the talent on display whets the appetite for the multihyphenate’s next projects after this work’s debut in Venice as part of the wider Biennale College. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026 Like anticipation for an upcoming summer blockbuster movie, the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll whets the appetite for college football fans ahead of the teams returning to the field. — Erick Smith, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026 Some of the Summertime launch‘s most delicious harvests have already sold out, so don’t think too long or too hard about it before snagging everything that catches your eye… and whets your appetite. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 4 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whets

Verb

Still, Mercury in your sign simultaneously sharpens your instincts while also fueling your anxiety, and just as Saturn retrograde challenges you to question whether your routines and habits are actually serving you.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 Oct. 2026
Read alongside the research, Harari’s argument sharpens the problem.

— Deepa Nagraj, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of sharpens

Noun

The deck replacement is necessary because traffic loads on the span have become increasingly heavy, and salt air has eroded bridge materials.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
According to Formlabs, this improves strength, toughness, heat resistance, and resistance to gradual deformation under sustained loads, while producing a harder, less tacky surface.

— Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of loads

Noun

The pegs represented individual genes, and the ropes their effects on development.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026
An unlined road leads across a babbling river to reveal a striking gray building up on a hill, a massive barn raised in the traditional style that uses only wood pegs — no nails — to hold the structure together.

— Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of pegs

Noun

Goodwill’s petite styling guidance recommends using belts to give oversized clothing more shape.

— Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Oct. 2026
In accessories, there’s a major focus on the waist, through belts and cummerbunds, while beading and fringe continue to enliven the novelty bag category.

— Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of belts

Noun

These beneficial predators spend the winter under leaves, emerging in spring to feed on common garden pests such as aphids, slugs and mites.

— Manjot Kaur Sidhu, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026
Families can learn about slugs, spiders, vultures and more during Creepy Critters Month at the Knoch Knolls Nature Center, 320 Knoch Knolls Road, a park district news release said.

— Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026