HUM Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

hum 1 of 2

noun

Definition of hum

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hum

2 of 2

verb

ˈhəm

as in to burst

to be copiously supplied one restaurant was humming with diners, while a neighboring eatery was practically empty

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to buzz

to fly, turn, or move rapidly with a fluttering or vibratory sound a helicopter hummed overhead

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of hum

Noun

Even now, as people across the country sour on AI and fight against data centers in their communities, TSMC’s Arizona operation hums along without significant opposition. — Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 29 Oct. 2026 Back above Lake Champlain, the CX300 levels off, and the motor recedes to a faint hum. — IEEE Spectrum, 28 Oct. 2026

Verb

The offense has been humming with Williams under center, averaging 31 points per game in his three starts. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026 Slop spawns, and Waymo’s artificially intelligent cars hum into view like two-ton rolling Rorschach tests. — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hum

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hum

Noun

Highlights and experiences It is always a special event stepping out of Venice’s airport onto a pontoon and a polished mahogany water taxi that drops you off canalside near your hotel, after a purr through the Grand Canal.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026
Kimie Smothermon begins each day greeted by the squeals, chirps and purrs of nearly 400 guinea pigs.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of purr

Verb

The officials ruled the run didn't count, and Perine took the next handoff from Joe Burrow and burst through for a 14-yard gain before the Bengals went into victory formation.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2026
Garrett burst off the line at the snap and sacked Daniels for a 12-yard loss.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026

Definition of burst

Verb

Already buzzing just two weeks after opening, this is sure to become a hotspot for locals and guests, both at the hotel and those staying elsewhere.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
Even in an empty studio, electricity buzzed and crackled through the room.

— Lucy Gellman, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of buzz

Noun

Stepping into a pool of mid-afternoon light, Claire Mazza raised her left arm above her head, eyes fixed on the whisper-thin space between her thumb and second finger.

— Lucy Gellman, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026
Even as everyone is talking to Jeff at Tribal, there are whispers back and forth, and the only words emerging are Eric and Brady, with a lot of I don’t knows thrown in for good measure.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of whisper

Verb

However, that shouldn’t take away from Cutforth’s poise in the pocket and ability to zip a ball into a receiver, including on a 15-yard TD pass to tight end Matt Wagner and a 35-yard TD pass to wideout Rasean Jones.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Nov. 2026
After the Horned Frogs forced a turnover and got into transition, freshman guard Jessie-May Hall zipped a pass to Wooten on the break.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of zip

Noun

Once reading time kicked off during a recent meetup, the only sounds from the group were the quiet rustle of pages turning and the conscientious nibbling of snacks and sipping of tea as the cafe continued its bustle.

— Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 22 Oct. 2026
The full textile experience, after all, is multisensory—visual, tactile, and sometimes auditory (think of taffeta’s distinctive rustle).

— Leslie Camhi, Vogue, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of rustle

Verb

Someone’s whirring spices in a grinder on a shelf next to the cooler of bottled water and sodas.

— Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Lungs whirred about the room in an electric wheelchair festooned in feather boas and Christmas lights, studiously avoiding serious questions about whether his conveyance was a tasteless prop or a medical necessity.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of whir

Browse Nearby Words

hulls

hum

human

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“Hum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hum. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of hum

noun

verb

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