WAFT Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

waft 1 of 2

noun

Definition of waft

as in breeze

a slight or gentle movement of air wafts carrying the scent of spring flowers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

calm

waft

2 of 2

verb

ˈwäft

as in to hover

to rest or move along the surface of a liquid or in the air a feather wafted past us and settled on the grass

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 waft

Noun

At lunchtime, Bosnian and English bounce between the tables while delicious aromas waft in from the kitchen. — Timothy Depeugh, Southern Living, 25 July 2026 There are flies, rats and, if the wind shifts every so slightly, a waft of thick, nauseating air from the warehouse. — Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

Verb

The plinking of a piano wafted in from the Music Hall by the water’s edge. — Lila Harron Battis, Travel + Leisure, 23 July 2026 At the peak, more than 100 million Americans — from the Midwest to the East Coast — were under serious air-quality alerts from the smoke, which wafted into the states from Canada, where thousands of Ontario residents were evacuated. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for waft

Recent Examples of Synonyms for waft

Noun

Palm trees abound; a perpetual breeze and a soundtrack of chirping birds complement the luscious grounds.

— Baz Dreisinger, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
The sandy shores of Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach are about 20 minutes away, but afternoons on the porch, appreciating the breezes that come in off the Winyah Bay and the connecting rivers, are just as peaceful.

— Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of breeze

Noun

Low-Fiber Breakfast Cereals Many cold cereals are made from refined grains that are processed into small flakes or puffs.

— Brittany Poulson, Verywell Health, 19 Aug. 2026
Instead, press the powder into the back of your hand first, then tap the puff lightly onto your skin.

— Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of puff

Verb

Off property, the hotel can connect guests with surf lessons, sailing on Jamaica Bay, paddleboarding, and sailing excursions.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
During Monday’s practice, Smith threw an interception to safety Andre Cisco on a pass that sailed well over the receiver’s head.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of sail

Noun

In the same breath, though, there are the guarantees that hold an attraction.

— Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
That’s when Way mutters the p-word — under his breath for plausible deniability, but certainly still with the intention of being heard, smirking at the sound of my laughter.

— Selome Hailu, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of breath

Verb

Jaissle is likely to have his own prospective midfield names, too, who were not actively being floated before he was appointed.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
But that identical physical phenomenon might soon change how miniature robots fly, float, and navigate complex environments.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of float

Verb

Then Sánchez’s eyes drifted up, his feet stumbled to a stop, and the ball bounced feet away from him on the turf.

— Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Previously, the state Department of Agriculture interpreted that to mean that outdoor growing was prohibited, citing concerns over security and agricultural pesticides drifting into marijuana crops.

— Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of drift

Verb

An 8-year-old has died after contracting a rare brain-eating amoeba believed to have been encountered while swimming in a lake near her home, her family and health officials said.

— Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Williams swims and, characteristically, has taken on a project — converting a circa-1780 building on the plaza by the village church into a gallery for Tom’s work.

— Barbara Bry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of swim

Browse Nearby Words

waffling

waft

wafted

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Style

“Waft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waft. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of waft

noun

verb

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