# whet

/ˈhwɛt/ (US) · /wˈɛt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/whet
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

to make a knife or tool sharper, or to make hunger or interest stronger. You see it most when food or a story makes you want more.

For teachers: to sharpen a blade or tool by grinding or friction; by extension, to stimulate appetite, interest, or desire.

## Examples

- Good smells from the kitchen whet our appetite.
- The trailer whets interest in the new film without giving away the ending.
- The opening chapter whets the reader's curiosity with a half-told mystery that promises deeper revelations later.

## Synonyms

sharpen, hone, stimulate, excite, arouse, Stir, Increase

## Antonyms

dull, Blunt, dampen

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.