reel 1 of 2

Definition of reelnext
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

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reel

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to spin
to be in a confused state as if from being twirled around his mind reeled upon hearing the news that his employer had been indicted for fraud

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 reel
Noun
The man went behind the retail counter and ripped handfuls of lottery tickets out of the Michigan Lottery display case, unspooling them as though from reels of toilet paper. Paula Wethington, CBS News, 16 June 2026 The adventure content creator had amassed more than 320,000 followers on Facebook, while some of his reels garnered millions of views. Drew Pittock, USA Today, 15 June 2026
Verb
Fergie’s family, like so many at the time, were reeling from a hurricane that ravaged the island four weeks earlier on its way to slam into Galveston, Texas. Literary Hub, 16 June 2026 Ten years ago, Orlando was already reeling from a weekend of horror, the mass shooting at Pulse nightclub that left 49 dead, which happened one night after the shooting death of singer Christina Grimmie at a concert. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reel
Noun
  • Our team has reviewed dozens of the best sheet sets over the years, and these Boll & Branch sheets are part of shopping director Rachel Fletcher’s own rotation.
    Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 23 June 2026
  • Beneficiaries of the urgent, unprecedented buildout of computing capacity are carrying the indexes, with timely rotations into the broader array of stocks allowing the leaders to rest periodically.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • The most common way to enrich uranium is by spinning uranium gas in a centrifuge, where lighter U-235 separates from the heavier U-238.
    Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
  • In fact, some are doing little to hide their skepticism – and, in some cases, outright frustration – with the memorandum of understanding, which White House officials hope to spin into a more lasting peace agreement and nuclear accord.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Steely and deliberate songwriting that casually staggers down the line between rhythm and melody, laced with loose yet conscious jams.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2026
  • To ensure Miami 305 can still meet the league's minimum roster requirements, the suspensions will be staggered.
    Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • And this time the roll of the dice didn’t work, with Turkey getting its only win of the tournament on its last touch of the World Cup.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • However, when states have tried to identify and purge alleged noncitizens from their rolls, their efforts have gone wrong in some cases.
    Ashley Lopez, NPR, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Video showed crowds swimming in the ocean just feet from the blaze, as smoke and flames billowed into the air.
    Faris Tanyos, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • Officials in several states are warning beachgoers to check local water quality advisories before swimming this summer.
    Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Father Joseph Balikuddembe, a young priest, weaves down the aisle for communion, depositing wafers on the nuns' lips.
    Sophie Neiman, NPR, 20 June 2026
  • For once the story seems less about progress in the nuts and bolts of how the cars weave their way around road hazards.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • The pilot, Captain Bob Smith, tried everything, but had no choice but to land without the front wheels.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
  • Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • As the carriage lurched forward, the teen’s mother fell from the vehicle, prompting Romanch Mahajan to jump out in an effort to help her, The Times reported.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • As the opening ceremony began with a flurry of speeches, the bus carrying Team Zambia lurched to a stop by the side of the road in southern Zimbabwe, 200 miles away.
    Ryan Lenora Brown, NPR, 14 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reel. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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