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
Relevance
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
Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2025
At the press of a button, the Pad-O-Matic whirs into life, spitting out perfect—and now marginally more convenient!—cryptographic security.
—IEEE Spectrum, 29 Jan. 2025
Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
The couple alternates between passionate embraces and domestic tension (an ambulance shows up in their driveway, at one point, its whirring red and blue light hinting something sinister has just taken place).
—Brent Lang, Variety, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whir
Noun
The traveling chain of support cleared downtown on its way to Placer County as its whirs faded and the quiet sounds of Marysville returned.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2025
At the press of a button, the Pad-O-Matic whirs into life, spitting out perfect—and now marginally more convenient!—cryptographic security.
—IEEE Spectrum, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
This duo is a perfect modern frontcourt for OKC’s whirring perimeter defense.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
The couple alternates between passionate embraces and domestic tension (an ambulance shows up in their driveway, at one point, its whirring red and blue light hinting something sinister has just taken place).
—Brent Lang, Variety, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whir
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whir
Verb
-
Think mountain towns that hum in winter and hibernate in summer (hello, ski resorts turned hiking paradises).—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
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Because the vagus nerve runs past the vocal cords, there’s some thought that humming could stimulate the vagus nerve (and therefore parasympathetic nervous system), which might offer calming effects, says Gordon-Elliott.—
Caroline C. Boyle,
USA Today,
18 May 2025
Noun
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The three of them shared head bonks, muzzle rubs, purrs, and cuddling!!—
Charlotte Phillipp,
People.com,
31 Mar. 2025
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Seely’s voice brings in a slice of gritty wisdom, Dasher’s vocal purrs with sweetness, while Dasher offers up both humor and wit.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
24 Mar. 2025
Noun
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One legend says workers found fake coins during excavations on the site; others hold whispers of kings, assassinations and shady land ownership.—
Lily Radziemski,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
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There are no tanks on the streets or intelligence agents stamping out whispers of dissent.—
Leila Fadel,
NPR,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
The party generated substantial social media buzz, with Lexus vehicles featured prominently in social media content from attendees and the press.—
Lilian Raji,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
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Meanwhile, Yellowjackets and Squid Game are both former Drama Series nominees, even if the buzz for both shows died down with their most recent seasons.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Whir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whir. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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