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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of purr
Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
The duo quickly became inseparable, with footage capturing their adorable cuddles and Marble's soothing purrs as William clings to Marble's soft fur.
—Ronnie Li, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025
Even when Gideon gets irritated and bites Craig, the ginger cat simply purrs in response.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for purr
Noun
The frequency of a cat's purr, usually between 25 to 150 hertz, has therapeutic effects on a person's body and mind, according to an article from Inspira Health Network.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
The duo quickly became inseparable, with footage capturing their adorable cuddles and Marble's soothing purrs as William clings to Marble's soft fur.
—Ronnie Li, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
No one’s immune from suspicion, not even Kathryn, who has a way of smiling and purring through her answers to anyone’s questions.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025
Even when Gideon gets irritated and bites Craig, the ginger cat simply purrs in response.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for purr
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purr
Verb
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Amidst a media frenzy outside, whispers around the fortress-like Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse is that Ventura could be called to testify tomorrow.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
12 May 2025
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The kind that’s whispered in moments of solitude, recited through tears, and held tightly when doors closed.—
Essence,
Essence,
9 May 2025
Verb
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In one video, the passenger shared a video of a brown roach making its way up the back of a chair from the back seat pocket with its little legs as passengers who witnessed it could be heard murmuring in the background.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
People.com,
14 May 2025
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But the attitude of the Romanian mercenaries — always scanning the road, murmuring into radios — gave it away: Congo’s defenses were crumbling.—
Emmet Livingstone,
The Dial,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Traditionally, the upside down American flag signals distress, and that was the mood expressed as speakers shouted, cried and chanted with the crowd of around 100 people.—
Harley Walls,
Arkansas Online,
17 May 2025
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In a separate post, Cabrera shouted out some teammates who came and visited him in the hospital overnight.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2025
Verb
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With the birds chirping and flowers blooming, the apple trees are getting ready to create the fruit that goes into making your favorite ciders.—
Em Sauter,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
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Whose comeback chirps take the longest and aren’t funny?—
Jeremy Rutherford,
The Athletic,
12 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Trapped in a living prison and gasping for air, Kate must confront both real-life monsters of the deep and her inner demons as a desperate fight for survival and salvation unfolds.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
7 May 2025
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Now the Nuggets have no choice but to keep gasping for air and rolling with Oklahoma City’s punches.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
5 May 2025
Verb
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The Bulldogs players began to tap their friends and mouth the quarterback’s name.—
Adam Grosbard,
Orange County Register,
5 Mar. 2025
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Ford decided to mouth his last name at the end, a decision that caused observers to break out in laughter.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
10 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Lions coach Dan Campbell empowered his assistant coaches to speak in front of the team, preparing Glenn to become the Jets coach.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
10 May 2025
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The Sunset Boulevard star spoke to PEOPLE about the whirlwind past week, from his Tony nomination on Thursday, May 1, to attending the 2025 Met Gala on Monday, May 5, and then the 2025 Tony Awards junket on Thursday, May 8.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
10 May 2025
Verb
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The system then offers personalized guidance, such as breathing techniques or focused meditative practices, based on Gopi’s academic research.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
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Manage your stress: Consider mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises to help ease stress as much as possible.—
Angela Ryan Lee,
Health,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Purr.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purr. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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