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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of whir
Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 2 Sep. 2024
In the first two weeks after Hurricane Helene, there was a constant whir of helicopters flying overhead.
—Jess Craig, Vox, 17 Nov. 2024
Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2025
As busy as Franklin was with his political and diplomatic roles, his scientific mind never stopped whirring.
—Erin Douglass, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whir
Noun
The sounds playing throughout Bridgestone Arena were dystopian-sounding crackling, ominous hums and the eerie whirs of machinery as lights flickered onstage.
—Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 2 Sep. 2024
In the first two weeks after Hurricane Helene, there was a constant whir of helicopters flying overhead.
—Jess Craig, Vox, 17 Nov. 2024
Verb
The new species and other whirring tree frog species were identified by their DNA, subtle physical features and call sounds, the study said.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2025
As busy as Franklin was with his political and diplomatic roles, his scientific mind never stopped whirring.
—Erin Douglass, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whir
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whir
Verb
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Their voices hum together and, in those moments, Mazzoli’s music is both beautiful and disturbing.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2025
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Near the entrance of the building's nave, a triptych of towering black computer servers are humming loudly.—
Emma Bowman,
NPR,
23 Mar. 2025
Noun
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It’s been replaced by a soothing purr where nearly every syllable is clear.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
26 Mar. 2025
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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
Noun
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Related article High anxiety and whispers of a conclave: How the Vatican is dealing with Pope Francis’ hospitalization Alfieri, who led the team at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, said the decision to continue with treatment was made by Francis’ nurse.—
Christopher Lamb,
CNN,
25 Mar. 2025
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The genetic testing company that once held the vision of unlocking the secrets of our DNA filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, its valuation whittled down to a whisper of its former $6 billion peak.—
Anisha Sircar,
Forbes,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
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And there’s already a ton of buzz surrounding the results.—
Brad Japhe,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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After garnering rave reviews on the West End — and winning its star her first Olivier — the one-woman show has made its way to Broadway with all the wit, winks, and flourishes promised by the buzz.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Whir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whir. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.
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