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
1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Selling his leftover parts, Stordahl found an untapped market of engineers, students and hobbyists who wanted to buy just a handful of capacitors or circuits from what could be a reel of 1,000 or 5,000.
—Alina Selyukh, NPR, 24 Apr. 2025
Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025
More witnesses would testify, and later, Melody — who was silent throughout the trial — would address the court in a dramatic and explosive statement that would leave her family reeling.
—Susan Mallie, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reel
Noun
Now mom to a toddler, Quinn told Newsweek that the reel was sparked from a moment of reflection and gratitude.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Selling his leftover parts, Stordahl found an untapped market of engineers, students and hobbyists who wanted to buy just a handful of capacitors or circuits from what could be a reel of 1,000 or 5,000.
—Alina Selyukh, NPR, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
Both were reeling from their previous relationships; Joel had recently divorced his first wife, Elizabeth Weber.
—Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025
More witnesses would testify, and later, Melody — who was silent throughout the trial — would address the court in a dramatic and explosive statement that would leave her family reeling.
—Susan Mallie, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reel
Noun
-
For our other go-to lawn care tools and gadgets that made it into our frequent rotation, keep reading.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
3 May 2025
-
Plus, score trendy barrel pants and linen trousers to add to your workwear rotation.—
Emily Weaver,
People.com,
3 May 2025
Verb
-
Sierra Ferrell is also on board this boundary-blurring tour that will spin through the U.S. until July 1 with stops including Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Denver and Seattle before wrapping in San Francisco.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
-
The cage spins along four independent axes at 60 seconds, 18 seconds, 15 seconds, and 60 seconds respectively, creating a stunning visual effect of synchronized motion.—
Matthew Catellier,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Their deployments were staggered over about 15 minutes, with each satellite relying on its own timed separation mechanism.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
3 May 2025
-
Perhaps the gorilla has a chance if its opponents were staggered, in a series of one-on-one battles until one of the men defeats the great ape.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
And while sitting down for dinner in the last moments of the season, Anne reveals to the entire group that Ginny is pregnant with Nick's baby, just before the credits roll.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
-
Give any room a facelift with a roll of citrus, lilac, or stripe wallpaper from the collection.—
Maggie Horton,
People.com,
3 May 2025
Verb
-
Corey Walsh, 22, a plumber from Melbourne, was swimming with friends off a chartered boat near the island of Ko Racha Yai on Tuesday, May 6, when he was pulled by a strong current, according to The Age, 7 News Australia and News.com.au.—
David Chiu,
People.com,
12 May 2025
-
If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 May 2025
Verb
-
Among the companies charting this alternative path is Organic India, a wellness brand that has woven regenerative organic agricultural practices into its DNA long before the term became a mainstream badge of sustainability.—
Christopher Marquis,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
-
The singer sported an intricate top for her time on the show — silver chains woven together to form a halter-neck shape.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
13 May 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.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
1 May 2025
-
Its side profile is coupe-like but avoids the typical SUV-coupe pitfalls with strong character lines, flared wheel arches, and 22-inch wheels that add visual weight.—
Josh Max,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
His unsteady performance has left markets lurching from one crisis to another, and his contempt for tradition continues to rattle both Washington institutionalists and Wall Street investors.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Many young people then in high school may not have lost so much faith in institutions; some may not have lurched so dramatically to the political right.—
Jessica Winter,
New Yorker,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reel. Accessed 16 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share