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
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of purr
Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
This person was less than purr-fect.
—Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2025
Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Who makes your nervous system purr instead of spike?
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 5 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for purr
Noun
Geography and tragedy unite them, as does the purr of comfort inherent in their cooking.
—Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
This person was less than purr-fect.
—Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2025
Verb
Scientists may have finally solved the mystery of how cats purr.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Who makes your nervous system purr instead of spike?
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 5 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for purr
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purr
Noun
-
The instant skin touches surface, a bright sting strikes, then fades to a low hum.—
Jan Steyn,
The Dial,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Chillers and compressors add vibration and tonal hum.—
Wangda Zuo,
The Conversation,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The video showed Styles whispering something into Jordan’s ear.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
9 Mar. 2026
-
In every part of the world, someone is whispering in the ear of someone else that justice is near and that the fight is upon them.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Meyers bent his head and murmured to Bria.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Located at the foot of Petit Piton, guests are transported to a slice of tranquility, where the sound of a running stream murmurs in the background.—
Nneka M. Okona,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The videos show residents walking and at times running through the streets of Morón, in the province of Ciego de Avila, shouting anti-government slogans in the middle of a blackout late night Friday and early morning Saturday, lit up by the occasional portable lamp or the light on their phones.—
Nora Gámez Torres,
Miami Herald,
14 Mar. 2026
-
The actor will shout out a number and then — in an impressive display of audience amplification by sound designer Tom Gibbons — a reply emanates back from somewhere in the theater.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Birds chirped and neighbors emerged from hibernation, exchanging greetings after months indoors.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Match the chirping birds and cheerier moods with a fun, fresh manicure.—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Her brothers and sisters all gasped.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Mar. 2026
-
This often results in a choking, snorting, or gasping sound as normal breathing resumes.—
Daniel Combs,
Verywell Health,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Or to sometimes instinctively mouth the words to Christmas carols the kids sang to him with tears or confusion in their eyes.—
Scott Maxwell,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The opposition’s mainstream leaders still mouth the catechism that change should come by Venezuelan hands, but more are openly courting external pressure to tilt the balance.—
Robert Muggah,
The Conversation,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Teams of attorneys for the defendants were each given 15 minutes to speak Wednesday.—
Emerson Clarridge
Updated March 13,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Mar. 2026
-
If emotions surge, pause to write thoughts before speaking, then return with a softer tone so both sides feel heard and respected.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
14 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Purr.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purr. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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