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Synonyms

whew

American  
[hwyoo] / ʰwyu /

interjection

  1. (a whistling exclamation or sound expressing astonishment, dismay, relief, etc.)


noun

  1. an utterance of “whew.”

whew British  
/ hwjuː /

interjection

  1. an exclamation or sharply exhaled breath expressing relief, surprise, delight, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of whew

First recorded in 1505–15; imitative

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Whew - would that money not be better spent on the health service?" he said.

From BBC • Aug. 22, 2021

Whew, I thought," Stone wrote. "After the screening, I let Paul know of the options Marty had laid out for me.

From Fox News • Mar. 18, 2021

Whew — that list is much bigger than I expected it to be when I started it.

From The Verge • Feb. 25, 2020

Whew, because the queen probably owns the domain name sussexroyal.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2020

Whew, you think, as you walk back to your seat.

From "Booked" by Kwame Alexander