WHETTING Synonyms: 15 Similar and Opposite Words

whetting

verb

present participle of whet

as in sharpening

to make sharp or sharper whetted the knife with the grindstone

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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 whetting The set-closer peaked with Campbell and Tench trading solos in an extended jam, only further whetting the crowd’s collective appetite for more and closing the case for a tour. — Adam Gold, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2026 The announcement lands at the close of Marché du Film, where Japan was this year’s country of honor, and caps a busy session for Frontières Platform, which in recent years has been a key player in whetting the growing appetite for genre film at both the Cannes’ festival and market. — Jennie Punter, Variety, 22 May 2026 After six weeks whetting blades in the factory on a grinding belt, Brigitte received a silver motorbike. — Simon Akam, Vanity Fair, 2 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whetting

Verb

The Moon moves through practical Virgo, sharpening our eye for details, routines, and the small choices that make life easier.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Israel’s first election since the attack is sharpening anger over security failures and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while public discussion largely overlooks Palestinian civilians’ lives.

— Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of sharpening

Verb

After grinding to Akon during their belly dancing date, Cam and Aneha find common ground around growing up in low-income families when their parents lost their jobs.

— Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
While the left spent all week whining about Sophie Cunningham's hat and firing squad best practices, us PATRIOTS were biding our time, keeping our heads down, and grinding towards another weekend.

— Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of grinding

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whetted

whetting

whey-faced

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“Whetting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whetting. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of whetting

verb

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