reel 1 of 2

noun

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
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

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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
There are no obvious Oscar reels here, monologues or breakdowns. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026 All that’s required to put the reel back into gear is a flip of the reel handle. — Bob Rocchetta As Told To Al Ristori, Outdoor Life, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
The Giants already have moved to -150 favorites to win the division on DraftKings ahead of the self-destructing Dallas Cowboys (+235), the messy Commanders (+560) and the reeling Eagles (+3300). — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026 The Dolphins notched their first win of the season against the reeling Jets. — Keven Lerner, Sun Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reel
  1. rotation
  2. spin
  3. stagger
  4. roll
  5. swim
  6. weave
  7. wheel
  8. lurch
Noun
  • Heat rookie Ryan Conwell was the first guard used off the bench on Monday after beginning the season out of the rotation.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
  • During training, Roseberry would spend the first half of his run talking (and sometimes bickering) with Fins, only to reward himself with a pop-heavy playlist for the second half (Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, and Rosalía were in heavy rotation).
    — Max Berlinger, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of rotation
Verb
  • The reader is spun into this frantic poem without a chance to escape, just like the speaker.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026
  • In preparation, she was confined in progressively smaller spaces, spun in a centrifuge, and trained to eat food in jellied form.
    — Ethan Teekah All, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of spin
Verb
  • The path to Democratic control is steeper in the Senate, where elections are staggered.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Spoelstra staggered Adebayo and Antetokounmpo’s minutes with these bench lineups.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of stagger
Noun
  • Connecting rooms, roll-out beds, and babysitting services are also available.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Stalls will also have lockable, roll-gate doors and security cameras, so retailers can leave their products overnight, while a dedicated food hall ensures a safe and hygienic distance between food preparation and other market activities.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of roll
Verb
  • But the entire process is designed to keep as many of them swimming as possible.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Four beluga whales relocated from a facility in Canada swim close to one another in a habitat at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium on July 23, 2026.
    — Emily Hoerner, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of swim
Verb
  • The fantasy film about a woman (Olivia Colman) who weaves a perfect lover (Alexander Skarsgård) out of the titular material is one of the happy box office surprises of Q4 so far.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Nov. 2026
  • In the build-up, Almirón weaved through Toronto’s defense and played a give-and-go with Alexey Miranchuk, who assisted on the winger’s goal.
    — Amna Subhan, AJC.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of weave
Noun
  • Rush Creek Reserve is a dippable fondue-like wheel wrapped in spruce bark from Uplands in Dodgeville, WI.
    — Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
  • This arrangement combines a larger front wheel for negotiating uneven surfaces with smaller overall proportions suited to tighter riding environments.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of wheel
Verb
  • Her dancers contort and gyrate not only to music but to the mischievous natter of recorded dialogue, to the sound of wind and the hiss and lurch of a train.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2026
  • By the end of the lengthy, lurching first act, the entire eight-person cast is onstage.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of lurch

Phrases Containing reel

Browse Nearby Words

reeky
reel
reeled
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Cite this Entry

“Reel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reel. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reel

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