as in hum
a monotonous sound like that of an insect in motion
listened to the reassuring purr of the car engine
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to whisper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of purr
Amy Pocsik, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
It’s been replaced by a soothing purr where nearly every syllable is clear.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 26 Mar. 2025
Joan Morris, The Mercury News, 2 Sep. 2024
Meanwhile, Kathryn purrs an invitation from the bedroom.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for purr
Noun
Your operations need to purr before your brand can roar.
—Amy Pocsik, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
It’s been replaced by a soothing purr where nearly every syllable is clear.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
There’s also a theory that kittens born to a feral mother are discouraged from purring to prevent attracting the attention of predators.
—Joan Morris, The Mercury News, 2 Sep. 2024
Meanwhile, Kathryn purrs an invitation from the bedroom.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for purr
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purr
Verb
-
Amidst a media frenzy outside, whispers around the fortress-like Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse is that Ventura could be called to testify tomorrow.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
12 May 2025
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The kind that’s whispered in moments of solitude, recited through tears, and held tightly when doors closed.—
Essence,
Essence,
9 May 2025
Verb
-
But the attitude of the Romanian mercenaries — always scanning the road, murmuring into radios — gave it away: Congo’s defenses were crumbling.—
Emmet Livingstone,
The Dial,
20 Mar. 2025
-
Certainly, nothing on the menu or in the service seemed to communicate anything beyond polished, murmuring attentiveness.—
Helen Rosner,
The New Yorker,
16 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Although his team has been shouting into the void for decades, Teatini says that with ever-rising tide levels, those in authority are beginning to acknowledge that the MOSE barrier will work for around 40 years at the most.—
Julia Buckley,
CNN Money,
4 May 2025
-
Bertie suddenly shouted, quite pleased with himself for managing to get a word out correctly.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
3 May 2025
Verb
-
The level of excitement that the arrival of a box of chirping baby chicks creates within a family is simply astounding and hard to match.—
Sal Gilbertie,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
-
With flowers blooming and birds chirping, war feels distant, although the closest front line is a short drive away.—
Dominique Soguel,
Christian Science Monitor,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Trapped in a living prison and gasping for air, Kate must confront both real-life monsters of the deep and her inner demons as a desperate fight for survival and salvation unfolds.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
7 May 2025
-
Now the Nuggets have no choice but to keep gasping for air and rolling with Oklahoma City’s punches.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
5 May 2025
Verb
-
The Bulldogs players began to tap their friends and mouth the quarterback’s name.—
Adam Grosbard,
Orange County Register,
5 Mar. 2025
-
Ford decided to mouth his last name at the end, a decision that caused observers to break out in laughter.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
10 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Kerr spoke to Green about the incidents on Friday and said the veteran had put the events behind him.—
Curtis Pashelka,
Mercury News,
10 May 2025
-
Lions coach Dan Campbell empowered his assistant coaches to speak in front of the team, preparing Glenn to become the Jets coach.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
10 May 2025
Verb
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The system then offers personalized guidance, such as breathing techniques or focused meditative practices, based on Gopi’s academic research.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
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Manage your stress: Consider mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises to help ease stress as much as possible.—
Angela Ryan Lee,
Health,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Purr.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purr. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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