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Synonyms

phew

American  
[fyoo, pfyoo, whyoo] / fyu, pfyu, whyu /

interjection

  1. (used as an exclamation to express disgust, exhaustion, surprise, impatience, relief, etc.).

    Phew, it's hot!


phew British  
/ fjuː /

interjection

  1. an exclamation of relief, surprise, disbelief, weariness, 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 phew

First recorded in 1595–1605

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.

Most readers probably got no further than that: Phew, democracy saved and all!

From Salon • Sep. 12, 2024

If I went at him the first time, but then didn't go at him again the next time, I could tell he was thinking, "Phew, thank God for that."

From BBC • Dec. 8, 2023

Quavo and Takeoff re-branded as the rap duo Unc & Phew.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 2, 2023

Amid rumors the group had permanently disbanded, Takeoff and Quavo launched a new effort this year under the moniker Unc & Phew.

From Washington Post • Nov. 1, 2022

Phew, she passed me up, I guess I got lucky this time.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers

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