reel 1 of 2

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
Send them photos, reels and a little spark to make their job easier. Joel Goldstein, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 And as the reel shows, the canine is remarkably good at it. Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
Verb
When Bill Clinton arrived in Mont-Tremblant, Canada, in October 1999 for a governance conference, the United States’ northern neighbor was still reeling from attempts by its largest province, Quebec, to secede and form its own country. Sara Miller Llana, Christian Science Monitor, 16 June 2025 Meanwhile, America and Canada are still reeling from their trade war, temporarily halted by a 90-day pause on tariff implementation. Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for reel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reel
Noun
  • Scientists are unsure what to do because the current speeding-up may be a blip in a longer trend of Earth’s rotation slowing.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • But the team was widely believed to need to bolster its rotation at the trade deadline, and the club hung onto its top five prospects and dealt for Rays starter Zach Eflin and Marlins starter Trevor Rogers.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Versant, which will be lead by CEO Mark Lazarus when Comcast spins the company off later this year, has been building up a corporate structure — with several executives coming from NBCU’s news operations.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 18 June 2025
  • The iconic address’ upstairs is all about pitchers of local wheat ales and country DJs spinning Morgan Wallen hits, yet the basement steakhouse is where the sweet tunes from the sizzling stovetop can be heard.
    DeMarco Williams, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • Elena Guseva’s soprano staggers in its power and control, retaining its hue even at lofty peaks.
    Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
  • Mayors are elected by council members who have staggered four-year terms and are elected by citizens.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • There’s a ring roll that snaps securely into place, a removable grid for earrings, snap tabs to hold bracelets or necklaces, and a couple small zip-up pockets.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 20 June 2025
  • The life of a teen idol in the early 1960s was a mix of dismissal and adulation, according to peer Fabian Forte, who performed as Fabian and toured with Christie in rock ‘n’ roll revival shows in the 1980s.
    Christie D’Zurilla, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • What Are the Risks? As mentioned, getting sick from swimming in freshwater is uncommon.
    Julia Ries, Health, 17 June 2025
  • Each year between March and August and October, whale sharks migrate past Ningaloo Reef, congregating in great numbers, and a stay here offers the rare opportunity to responsibly swim alongside the majestic giants.
    Chloe Berge, Outside Online, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • The parade weaves through the historic downtown, bringing together antique cars, floats, and locals looking to show off their red, white, and blue.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 18 June 2025
  • Ah Loo’s vibrant work weaves traditional Pacific Island attire with modern silhouettes and design.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • 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.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2025
  • Now the wheel has turned and Ada is up on top, and Agnes is a very formidable critic.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • The world is lurching toward autocracy, with alarming speed.
    Elisa Manfredini, Time, 14 June 2025
  • In the final moments, Molly lurches forward into this brave new world, with nothing but the overalls on her back and her best friend who can barely start her car.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 9 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reel. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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