whoa
4 synonyms and 2 antonyms for whoa, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Intj — A command to stop or slow down, especially given to a horse.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
Etymology
Evolved through a chain of older spoken forms — wo, woa — ultimately tracing back to the same root as the word who, used as a call to halt an animal.
Full origin of whoa →Frequently asked questions
What does “whoa” mean?
The word “whoa” means a command to stop or slow down, especially given to a horse. In plain terms, an exclamation for "stop!" or for sudden surprise.
How do you pronounce “whoa”?
“Whoa” is pronounced woh (/woʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “whoa” in a sentence?
Here is “whoa” used in a sentence: “Whoa! Slow down, you're going too fast.”
What is the opposite of “whoa”?
The opposite of “whoa” — its antonyms — are giddyup and giddap.
What part of speech is “whoa”?
“Whoa” is an intj.
Is “whoa” a common word?
“Whoa” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “whoa” have?
“Whoa” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a command to stop or slow down, especially given to a horse.
What is the difference between whoa and woah?
Whoa is the standard spelling, while woah is an informal variant that became common in casual writing and text messages. Both are pronounced the same and used the same way, but whoa is the form found in dictionaries.
When do people say whoa?
People say whoa either to tell someone or something, such as a horse, to stop or slow down, or as an exclamation of surprise or amazement, such as reacting to unexpected news. The meaning depends entirely on context and tone.
Is whoa a formal word?
No, whoa is an informal interjection used in speech and casual writing rather than in formal or professional communication.