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 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 Sun conjoins Mercury in Virgo and your 1st House of Self, sharpening your voice, presence, choices, and personal direction.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Truist focused on growth Truist has been sharpening its strategic focus on growth and performance.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of sharpening

Verb

Its core 1970s grinding yet melodic bluesy approach didn’t shift when synthesizers became the rage in the 1980s or when grunge overtook the rock world in the 1990s.

— Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
The strain of ‘climbing the ladder’ The best esports players often have grinding schedules.

— Erica D. Henn, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of grinding

Browse Nearby Words

whetted

whetting

whey-faced

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“Whetting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whetting. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of whetting

verb

Example Sentences

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