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
Relevance
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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of reel
Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 2026
The Sharks trailed 2-1 after an entertaining first period that also featured two fights and a highlight-reel play from the Sharks’ top line.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026
The fate of 21 members of Iran’s women’s national soccer team remained uncertain Tuesday after five teammates were granted asylum in Australia, leaving the rest of the squad to decide whether to return to a country still reeling from war.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reel
Noun
There’s video evidence of it in the blooper reel.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 2026
The Sharks trailed 2-1 after an entertaining first period that also featured two fights and a highlight-reel play from the Sharks’ top line.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
Now, the reeling Longhorns can only hope the defeat isn’t the last game of the season for a team that finds itself back on the NCAA Tournament bubble.
—Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026
The fate of 21 members of Iran’s women’s national soccer team remained uncertain Tuesday after five teammates were granted asylum in Australia, leaving the rest of the squad to decide whether to return to a country still reeling from war.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reel
Noun
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Jaquez and Smith are regulars in Miami’s bench rotation.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
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Carter has been in and out of coach Doug Christie rotation this season, appearing in only 26 games.—
March 10,
Sacbee.com,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The federal government has accused Bien-Amie of spinning a decades-long web of deceit involving multiple identities — and wives — to gain a green card and later American citizenship.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
14 Mar. 2026
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Stress on defensive play-callers who don’t want to spin a safety just to survive one receiver’s speed.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Plus, in a 48-minute game, there will be plenty of time to stagger the two.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Mar. 2026
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Add additional rows of blocks, staggering them over the previous layer and using construction adhesive between rows.—
Daniel Modlin,
Architectural Digest,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Critics say the new requirements would result in the removal of perhaps thousands of voters from the rolls and in the disenfranchisement of young voters.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Mar. 2026
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Many gardeners find that using rolls of black plastic works will control annual weeds.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Officers said one person swam ashore after his fishing boat capsized near Pedro's Point on Friday afternoon.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
14 Mar. 2026
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One person and a dog died Friday on Lake Pueblo after a fishing boat capsized, sending the sole survivor swimming for shore, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.—
Lauren Penington,
Denver Post,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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On the opening shift, Boldy got the puck at the far blue line, weaved though a few Rangers defenders and fired through a screen to beat the New York goalie just 35 seconds into the period.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
15 Mar. 2026
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The checkpoint ahead crawls forward as officers slide mirrors beneath cars and canines weave through the line, sniffing for explosives.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Mar. 2026
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The 2026 Chevy Equinox EV is an electric vehicle SUV with a 220 HP horsepower front wheel drive FWD electric motor powertrain, and has a 300 HP dual electric motor AWD driveline optional.—
Tony Leopardo,
Mercury News,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Over the course of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s term, CPS has lurched from budget crisis to budget crisis, able only to muddle through due to record-breaking mayoral declarations of tax-increment-financing surpluses.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
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Elsewhere in town, the original creature, played by Christian Bale, has lurched here from Austria still on his lonely quest for companionship.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reel. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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