whet
1 synonym and 4 antonyms for whet, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To sharpen a blade or tool by rubbing it against a stone.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To sharpen a blade or tool by rubbing it against a stone.
“He whetted the kitchen knife on a small stone before slicing the vegetables.”
Opposites
How to use whet
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
whet your appetite
whet a blade
whet someone's curiosity
Etymology
From Old English hwettan, "to sharpen" or, figuratively, "to spur someone on" — the physical and mental senses have travelled together since Old English.
Full origin of whet →Frequently asked questions
What does “whet” mean?
The word “whet” means to sharpen a blade or tool by rubbing it against a stone. In plain terms, to sharpen something physically, or to sharpen someone's appetite or interest.
How do you pronounce “whet”?
“Whet” is pronounced WEHT (/ˈwɛt/ in IPA).
How do you use “whet” in a sentence?
Here is “whet” used in a sentence: “He whetted the kitchen knife on a small stone before slicing the vegetables.”
What part of speech is “whet”?
“Whet” is a verb.
Where does the word “whet” come from?
The word “whet” comes from Old English. From Old English hwettan, "to sharpen" or, figuratively, "to spur someone on" — the physical and mental senses have travelled together since Old English.
How many meanings does “whet” have?
“Whet” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to sharpen a blade or tool by rubbing it against a stone.
