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
Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025
The grand ballroom of the Austin Film Society's 40th anniversary gala hummed with energy.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
The Fed has kept interest rates steady for several months now as the U.S. economy continues to hum along better than many had expected.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 1 July 2025
But now, almost six months later, TikTok is humming along, and few people seem too concerned about it.
—James Peckham, PC Magazine, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hum
Verb
Removing sand from your washing machine keeps your clothes (and home) free from grit, and helps your washing machine keep humming along.
—Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025
The grand ballroom of the Austin Film Society's 40th anniversary gala hummed with energy.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
The Fed has kept interest rates steady for several months now as the U.S. economy continues to hum along better than many had expected.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 1 July 2025
But now, almost six months later, TikTok is humming along, and few people seem too concerned about it.
—James Peckham, PC Magazine, 30 June 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
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What transpires is a film bursting at the seams with heart, adored by laymen and critics alike.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
25 July 2025
Verb
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Add Hollywood buzz to the mix, and this 1973 bike is a keeper.—
Kristin Shaw,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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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
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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
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Blount, who appeared wearing a white button-down shirt and tie, his hands shackled in front of him, his bulging gut and beige tie spilling over his beige pants, appeared impassive and refused to meet his victim’s gaze as Rothschild addressed him personally.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
10 July 2025
Noun
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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
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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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Pickford dived to his right to try to keep out a Mason Mount shot and the ball struck one post before zipping across goal, hitting the other upright and pinballing out to the waiting Chelsea captain.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
23 July 2025
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On a physical level, household tasks can lead to stronger fine-motor skills, which are essential for, say, zipping a jacket and handwriting, and which teachers report have been declining over the past several years.—
Christine Carrig,
The Atlantic,
21 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 31 Jul. 2025.
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