as in purr
a monotonous sound like that of an insect in motion
we heard the hum of an outboard motor and a few minutes later the small craft came into sight
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hum
Calmatters, Mercury News, 9 July 2025
More than two hours before Game 7 began, a worker leaned over a humming ice maker in Paycom Center’s back hallway, a scoop in her right hand.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 23 June 2025
The brand was humming along nicely as a direct-to-consumer business, as the brothers built their own supply chain, sourcing leather that could be used on everything—from the original phone case to the bags and small leather goods, such as signature charms, that were added to the mix.
—Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
Baseball is humming but the playoffs are still off in the distance.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hum
Verb
Back on Hoen Avenue in Santa Rosa, traffic still hums past the curve just before Cypress Way — the same stretch where Kellie Michelle’s life ended before the sun came up.
—Calmatters, Mercury News, 9 July 2025
More than two hours before Game 7 began, a worker leaned over a humming ice maker in Paycom Center’s back hallway, a scoop in her right hand.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 23 June 2025
The brand was humming along nicely as a direct-to-consumer business, as the brothers built their own supply chain, sourcing leather that could be used on everything—from the original phone case to the bags and small leather goods, such as signature charms, that were added to the mix.
—Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
Baseball is humming but the playoffs are still off in the distance.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hum
Noun
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Liam sounds ferociously on-form, his nasal snarl infused with a malevolent purr.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
5 July 2025
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Similarly, another woman, navigating the recent passing of her own cat, found solace in the gentle purrs of potential new companions, encouraged by friends to embrace the healing presence a new feline could offer.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Verb
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An instant later, six-foot-tall flames burst upward in blazing pillars, followed by an intoxicating waft of garlic, lemon and herbs that permeated the air over a crowd of awed onlookers.—
Luis Melecio-Zambrano,
Mercury News,
25 July 2025
-
What transpires is a film bursting at the seams with heart, adored by laymen and critics alike.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
25 July 2025
Verb
-
Add Hollywood buzz to the mix, and this 1973 bike is a keeper.—
Kristin Shaw,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
Social media platforms, particularly X, buzzed with posts expressing grief, anger, and speculation.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
Noun
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Given the sequel’s summer publicity rounds — Sandler mentioned McDonough’s name on the Kelce brothers’ podcast, for one — the whispers around the real-life Happy Gilmore might start earlier than normal when school begins on Sept. 5.—
Sean Gentille,
New York Times,
28 July 2025
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There was—according to the whispers—effectively a button the U.S. could press to control the aircraft bought and operated by recipient countries.—
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 July 2025
Verb
-
The adjustable straps provide a true-to-size fit and the sheer lace won’t bulge through tight clothing.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
4 Aug. 2025
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Both can affect your quality of life: Atherosclerosis can cause heart attacks, strokes, poor blood flow to the legs, or bulging arteries.—
Alexandria Nyembwe,
Health,
20 July 2025
Noun
-
When that harmony hits, the sale becomes a symphony: the crack of the register, the rustle of the bag, the quiet thrill of being chosen.—
Joel Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
-
There was no answer, just a footstep behind him and the rustle of a dress.—
Mara Bovsun,
New York Daily News,
31 May 2025
Verb
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Crafted from 100% fine Pima cotton, they are designed for the man who wants to zip around on a Vespa and look effortlessly cool by the villa pool while capturing that quintessential Italian summer lifestyle.—
Pooja Shah,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
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Otherwise, past Omega ambassadors like Nicole Kidman, George Clooney and Zoë Kravitz would’ve been zipping around in Aston Martins years ago.—
Benjamin Svetkey,
HollywoodReporter,
30 July 2025
Verb
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And the machines whirring somewhere out of earshot.—
Jack Albright,
jsonline.com,
3 July 2025
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An enormous drill sends a thick metal bit whirring deep into the quarry ground and back up to the surface.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hum. Accessed 9 Aug. 2025.
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