PURR Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

purr 1 of 2

noun

ˈpər

Definition of purr

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

purr

2 of 2

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 purr

Noun

But a growing body of research suggests some of the most therapeutic sounds on earth are already in your home — your cat’s purr, rain on the window, birdsong outside. — Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026 Cats also purr when they’re injured or stressed, not just content. — Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 29 May 2026

Verb

While the video plays and the cat closes in on Bender ever-so-slowly, hen turkeys in the nearby pasture can be heard yelping and purring. — Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 23 Apr. 2026 Their first conversation is comically lopsided, and McKellen, purring his way through what is effectively a monologue, lays the groundwork for his most vividly inhabited and hilariously irascible performance in years. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for purr

Recent Examples of Synonyms for purr

Noun

The ritual hum of leaf blowers fires up in the fall and marks the change in season as much as vibrant leaves falling from the trees.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026
Very occasionally, a scooter—piled high with passengers—hums past.

— Claire Turrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of hum

Verb

Rooms The 149 guestrooms and 37 suites come alive in interiors inspired by ocean waves and the dusky skies of the Hollywood Hills, so the palette is moody, the finishes are polished, but nothing whispers.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
As referees stopped Charlie Adams’ corner kick to separate a pair of players in the box, Adams whispered for Barea to come closer.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of whisper

Verb

Though, it perhaps must be said that Johnson’s glazed-over, murmuring style of line delivery does grow grating.

— Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026
Moments later, murmurs, then cheers, rippled out from where Pasitney, Gaudry, and Espersen stood.

— J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of murmur

Verb

An occasional bird would chirp in the distance, but the forest emanated an eerie stillness, said Young, a research ecologist at the University of California, Davis.

— Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
There’s even a soundtrack of chirping birds and rushing water.

— Jen Murphy, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of chirp

Verb

Eventually the curtain was closed again and the microphone in the room was turned off, but Pike could still be heard making gasping or snoring sounds.

— Rebecca Boone, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping for air during the night, and waking up feeling tired.

— Lindsay Curtis, HEALTH, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of gasp

Verb

The Associated Press spoke last week to participants and doctors at the health center where the trial is taking place in the eastern province of Ituri, the epicenter of the outbreak.

— CONSTANT SAME BAGALWA, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
The two defendants in the Manchester case spoke in court through interpreters, only to confirm their names, dates of birth and addresses, PA reported.

— Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of speak

Browse Nearby Words

purposively

purr

purred

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Purr.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purr. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of purr

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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