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
And that’s the thing about Williams that doesn’t always show up in a box score or a highlight reel. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 4 May 2026 His Instagram reels often show him criticizing the LGBTQ+ community. James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Verb
The world is still reeling from the news that anyone would fumble Megan Thee Stallion. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 3 May 2026 The proposal, which hasn’t yet qualified for the ballot, immediately drew concerns from Democratic lawmakers, who are reeling from making regular $1 billion-dollar cuts in recent years to make up for ongoing budget shortfalls. The Denver Post, Denver Post, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for reel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reel
Noun
  • No starting pitcher on the Astros’ roster is making more money than Imai, who is supposed to announce this franchise’s arrival in the Pacific Rim, while slotting somewhere in the middle of its starting rotation.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • At fine-dining Le Grand Large, a rotation of visiting chefs knock up Provencal dishes like red snapper and Bouillabaisse.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Elsewhere, fibers are spun into thread, dyed, bleached, and rewoven into rugs, carpets and blankets.
    Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 9 May 2026
  • The 21-year-old left-hander rebounded from two sup-par starts to spin five shutout innings in high Single-A Fort Wayne’s 1-0 win over visiting Beloit.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • The story of American history has no ending; the nation and its people stagger on.
    Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 12 May 2026
  • But Betts’ staggered playing time will only last so long, and the Dodgers would like to refrain from having both Kim and Freeland on the bench.
    Katie Woo, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • In seasons 14 and 15, the PAW Patrol is on a roll with adventures that take the pups from the prehistoric wilds of Dinosaur Island to the rock-climbing heights of Rescue Mountain.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 14 May 2026
  • By adjusting internal magnetization patterns and using a three-axis Helmholtz coil system, the robot can move at angles ranging from 0° to 122°, roll, climb slopes, and navigate tight or curved paths.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Active types can also swim, bike, and play lawn games.
    Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 9 May 2026
  • Like Pisces, this flower grows in water, representing the fish that swim amongst the tides.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Tourists and scientists want to know On Thursday, three tractors spent more than an hour raking the beach at South Pointe Park in Miami Beach as beachgoers weaved around them, stepping over thick piles of sargassum that turned the shoreline water a murky brown.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 9 May 2026
  • Marner weaved past Husso and tucked the puck in off his backhand.
    Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • All-terrain wheels for a smooth ride on different surfaces.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 May 2026
  • In 2024, for instance, NASA shared an image of the abuse one of Curiosity's wheels withstood on Mars, including dents and holes.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Each assault count corresponds to a moment Mendoza Hernandez’s car lurched forward, about seven seconds apart.
    Scott Lebar. Story produced with AI assistance, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2026
  • These are some of the heaviest grooves that Seefeel have created in ages, channeling lurching currents through intricate chains of dub delay.
    Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 6 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reel. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

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