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
Not many people have a reel that is that varied. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025 In an emotional 30-minute Instagram reel, Moore teared up while railing against the current administration's stance on trans rights. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
Each episode saw an actor pose as a teenager, uncovering a child predator in an anonymous online setting before reeling them in for an in-person meeting. J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025 The Dolphins are now reeling from the injury and a 1-3 start to their season. Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reel
Noun
  • Noir is a quaint coffee shop where white walls are a canvas for paintings by a rotation of local artists.
    Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Jovic’s challenge this season is staying healthy and carving out a consistent role in the Heat’s rotation after beginning last season as a starter, then being completely moved out of the rotation, and ultimately thriving in a sixth man role off the bench during the back half of the season.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As the ball spun slowly toward shortstop Trea Turner, Teoscar Hernández broke toward the plate.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Will the ballerina spin into the arms of the handsome suitor?
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Baseball’s stubbornness and insistence on staggering all of its postseason games left a terrific pitcher’s duel between two of the game’s young stars to start shortly after lunch on the East Coast and just a bit after breakfast on the West Coast.
    Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Additional departure dates are staggered throughout July and August.
    Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The strong scent of commingled colognes filled the night air, and word went around that the lobster roll hors d’oeuvres were best avoided.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 5 Oct. 2025
  • All Ostermoor mattresses arrive air sealed and roll packed in a box, no white glove service is available.
    Kristi Kellogg, Architectural Digest, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In the photos, the famous pair appeared to enjoy the stunning scenery, swim in the clear blue waters and even wore matching grey robes in a sweet selfie.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
  • It’s ruled by Mars, who is currently swimming through the depths of Scorpio.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • By weaving Hartley's story into the narrative, Murphy explored the fear and paranoia that surrounded rural Wisconsin during the time of Gein’s actual crimes.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Over 10,000 native plants weave their way around the building’s exterior and interior—a nod to Brazil’s tropical ethos.
    Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 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, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Samson Sky Switchblade The Samson Sky Switchblade is a flying sports car with a three-wheel chassis road that speeds over 201 km/hr (125 mph).
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Hollywood lurched into a fresh wave of existential panic this week after Deadline, notating an otherwise dry industry panel on Saturday, September 27, seized on a stray remark.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2025
  • On Halloween of 2022, just weeks into the new school year, senior Ehni Ler Htoo was making his way through the halls of Proctor High School in Utica, New York, when a fellow student lurched at him from behind, repeatedly plunging a 9-inch hunting knife into his back.
    Tonya Simpson, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reel. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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