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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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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
Steve Garbarino, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
Scientists may have finally solved the mystery of how cats purr.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 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
Two years later, a long-haired white Persian appeared in From Russia With Love, purring from the lap of the Bond villain Blofeld.
—Steve Garbarino, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
Scientists may have finally solved the mystery of how cats purr.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for purr
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purr
Noun
-
Modern and understated, the design is deliberately pared back—a welcome antidote to the constant hum of New York City.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Mar. 2026
-
His wife, Missy Plummer, expects to hear a constant hum, even though Google has said the data center buildings will be set back far enough from the property’s border to shield from industrial noise.—
Bracey Harris,
NBC news,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
An elderly man near the front of the pack called one of the agents over to him and whispered in his ear.—
Ruby Cramer,
New Yorker,
26 Mar. 2026
-
The misogyny isn’t exactly whispered among Mormon men.—
Elizabeth Gulino,
Allure,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The remark drew a mix of gasps, murmurs and laughs from others in the room.—
Emily Chang,
ABC News,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Meyers bent his head and murmured to Bria.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The march continues to weave throughout the Plaza on its way back to Mill Creek Park as people shout various chants, blare music, pound on handheld drums and blow whistles.—
Jenna Ebbers,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Malinin shouted and punched the air with relief after finishing the skate.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Ryan Reaves — arguably the NHL’s toughest fighter through his career — was recently chirped by a teammate two decades younger than him for turning 39.—
Dan Robson,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2026
-
As Doncic stood at the free throw line, the two players began chirping at one another.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Olivia Miles makes the types of nifty passes that can leave fans gasping in astonishment.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Now, a walk down the block with his kids leaves him gasping for breath and reaching for his oxygen tank.—
Ethan Baron,
Mercury News,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Both governments still mouth the old slogans, by rote.—
Quico Toro,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
-
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
Verb
-
That fall, an old friend reached out to my father through the underground communications network, dialling a number printed on a faded piece of plastic Dymo tape and speaking to him from a public phone booth.—
Zayd Ayers Dohrn,
New Yorker,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Both of the officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military matters.—
Farnoush Amiri,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Purr.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purr. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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