as in rotation
a rapid turning about on an axis or central point
she slipped and, after an out-of-control reel, fell on her backside
Synonyms & Similar Words
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1
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as in to stagger
to move forward while swaying from side to side
got off the amusement park ride reeling and barely able to stand
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of reel
Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 24 Oct. 2025
Then the reel ended, and the wall was blank.
—David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
French authorities raced against the clock Tuesday, intensifying their hunt for the priceless royal jewels stolen from the Louvre, and the thieves whose brazen daylight robbery left the nation reeling.
—Jamie Gray, NBC news, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reel
Noun
His clips are pretty rudimentary tributes to guys like Thomas Sankara, the former Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, shouting them out with highlight reels and songs by 100 gecs and Jersey club collective TwerkNation28.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 24 Oct. 2025
Then the reel ended, and the wall was blank.
—David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
The 2-4 Houston Texans are reeling after Week 7's 27-19 loss to the Seattle Seahawks this past Sunday.
—Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
French authorities raced against the clock Tuesday, intensifying their hunt for the priceless royal jewels stolen from the Louvre, and the thieves whose brazen daylight robbery left the nation reeling.
—Jamie Gray, NBC news, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reel
Noun
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The team’s elite rotation of Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow and Ohtani has carried the load thus far.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
23 Oct. 2025
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Barring any setbacks he should be fully recovered in time for spring training and will be a strong candidate to start the season in the WooSox rotation.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Still, markets will be closely watching the details of the ultimate agreement, after nearly a year of head-spinning changes to trade and tariff policies between the US and China.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
26 Oct. 2025
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The event will feature charrería performances featuring rope tricks by charro Christian Navarrete; a Mexican tin art workshop; spinning and weaving demonstrations; and hands-on activities and games for children.—
Anne Gelhaus,
Mercury News,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Seats are elected from each of the city’s wards and serve staggered, four-year terms.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
22 Oct. 2025
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To get through the season and the playoffs, staggering the minutes of Green and Horford is logical, even with Quintin Post picking up some center minutes.—
Jannelle Moore,
Mercury News,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Now the best offense in the league rolls into town, and Denver’s own offense hasn’t quite shown the consistent capability to win in a shootout (last Sunday notwithstanding).—
Joe Nguyen,
Denver Post,
26 Oct. 2025
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Does your crowd prefer biscuits over rolls?—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Imogen Poots will be swimming her way to honors from the Denver Film Festival.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Oct. 2025
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In a stream of southern China filled with plant debris, a pinkish river creature with wrinkly lips swam through the murk, perhaps searching for a meal or a mate.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Both directors have observed stan-worthy deep dives on social media, especially in TikTok videos, where fans are combing through moments of foreshadowing or character details that the filmmakers weaved into the story with love.—
Brittany Spanos,
Rolling Stone,
28 Oct. 2025
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Construction of the gown weaved intricate embroidery with crystal embellishments, articulating sensuality and a regal presence.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Crawford made the jump to Europe, later joining an F1 team’s driver academy to grow, all aimed at one day racing at the highest open-wheel level.—
Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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Quince’s 26-inch suitcase is made with a tough polycarbonate shell and glides smoothly through the airport thanks to 360-degree spinner wheels and a telescopic handle.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Instead of taking a low profile and playing down any claims to Taiwan’s independent status like his more cautious DPP predecessor Tsai Ying-wen, Lai has lurched toward formal independence with a succession of speeches making the case for Taiwanese nationhood.—
Lyle Goldstein,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025
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The mood is lurching between calm and doom-mongering chaos.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reel. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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