variants
also whirr
as in hum
a monotonous sound like that of an insect in motion
a whir coming from the refrigerator
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also whirr
as in to hum
to fly, turn, or move rapidly with a fluttering or vibratory sound
the hummingbird whirred as it hovered over a flower our tires whirred as we traveled over the rough road
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of whir
Jess Craig, Vox, 17 Nov. 2024
Not even the thudding whir of rotor blades from a helicopter overhead quietened them.
—James Horncastle, The Athletic, 2 July 2024
Sam Lubell, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
Here is a world where carcasses sizzle on the grill, insects whir around sweat-glistening flesh, and pills are strewn on the table, as Rose begins imbibing a cocktail of mystery tablets prescribed to her by Gómez.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whir
Noun
In the first two weeks after Hurricane Helene, there was a constant whir of helicopters flying overhead.
—Jess Craig, Vox, 17 Nov. 2024
Not even the thudding whir of rotor blades from a helicopter overhead quietened them.
—James Horncastle, The Athletic, 2 July 2024
Verb
Where Something Went Right: While some Angelenos cast around for someone to blame, a whole cooperative emergency-response system whirred to life.
—Sam Lubell, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
Here is a world where carcasses sizzle on the grill, insects whir around sweat-glistening flesh, and pills are strewn on the table, as Rose begins imbibing a cocktail of mystery tablets prescribed to her by Gómez.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whir
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whir
Verb
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At the plate: The Rockies offense was humming from the get-go against former Colorado southpaw Tyler Anderson, who gave up four runs in two-plus innings.—
Kyle Newman,
The Denver Post,
3 Mar. 2025
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While [director] Garry [Brown] is [humming the S.W.A.T. opening theme]….—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Her plush cat, with a pillow-like body and realistic purr, will be sold direct to consumer on her website.—
Joan Verdon,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
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Giving him a little hug and hearing him purr definitely lifts my spirit.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
2 Feb. 2025
Noun
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There’s a whisper of floral elegance, balanced with earthy depth, giving it a versatile and refined character.—
Jillian Dara,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
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After ten years of whispers, gossip, and speculation, the women finally start to open up about what has been painfully obvious to any faithful watcher of this show: Karen has been struggling with an alcohol problem that has recently gotten out of control.—
Shamira Ibrahim,
Vulture,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Crisp white tablecloths, a single lemon and a vine of cherry red tomatoes adorn the tables, the buzz of conversation fills every corner of the room.—
Rachel Dube,
Forbes,
6 Mar. 2025
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The buzz around the new-member audition powered the track to No.1 for downloads, No. 8 for streaming, No. 53 for radio, and No. 86 for video.—
Billboard Japan,
Billboard,
5 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Whir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whir. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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