What does "whipsaw" mean?
A rip saw often operated by two people.
Whipsaw
adj, noun, verb
adj, noun, verb ·2 syllables ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A rip saw often operated by two people.
- Grammar: whipsaw is listed as adj, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: two-man saw, bear, bull, crosscut saw.
- Useful contrasts: calm, one-man saw, predictable.
- Usage evidence: Whipsawed by events and facing another midterm electoral defeat, President Obama has directed his team to forge a policy agenda to regain momentum for his final two years in office even as some advisers urge that he rethink the way he governs.
How to use "whipsaw"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "whipsaw" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "whipsaw" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "whipsaw" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "whipsaw" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "whipsaw" is acting as adj, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "two-man saw" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "whipsaw", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A rip saw often operated by two people.
- 2 a saw with handles at both ends; intended for use by two people wordnet
Verb
- 1 To operate a whipsaw.
- 2 saw with a whipsaw wordnet
- 3 To cause (a trader) to lose potential profit by buying shares just before the price falls, or by selling them just before the price rises. transitive
- 4 victimize, especially in gambling or negotiations wordnet
- 5 To defeat someone in two different ways at once. transitive
"Whipsawed by events and facing another midterm electoral defeat, President Obama has directed his team to forge a policy agenda to regain momentum for his final two years in office even as some advisers urge that he rethink the way he governs."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 Of a trade union: to coerce employers into capitulating by bringing them the news that other (more easily convinced) employers have already done so.
- 7 To accept bribes from multiple parties at once, with the intent of letting down one or more of them. US
Adjective
- 1 Having the characteristic of arguing two sides at once. not-comparable
"During the Porter crisis, Kelly found himself under intense scrutiny for the veracity of his whipsaw statements. He publicly praised Porter and privately urged him to stay."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Whipsawed by events and facing another midterm electoral defeat, President Obama has directed his team to forge a policy agenda to regain momentum for his final two years in office even as some advisers urge that he rethink the way he governs."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "whipsaw"?
Common synonyms include: two-man saw, bear, bull, crosscut saw, cut, erratic.
How do you use "whipsaw" in a sentence?
Whipsawed by events and facing another midterm electoral defeat, President Obama has directed his team to forge a policy agenda to regain momentum for his final two years in office even as some advisers urge that he rethink the way he governs.
Etymology
From whip + saw.