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
All of this has been a dream as her brain reels from an overdose on the Percocet provided to her by Alamo (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje). Selome Hailu, Variety, 1 June 2026 Her Instagram reel has garnered thousands of likes, and even got the fire emojis of approval from nail artist Tom Bachik. Marci Robin, Allure, 1 June 2026
Verb
But Ohtani reeled himself back in to face the top of the order. Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026 Still reeling from a situation involving an ex-girlfriend, Zack’s behavior is increasingly erratic. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reel
Noun
  • The lefty the brass swore was the bedrock of the future rotation.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 2 June 2026
  • The Highwomen may not have persuaded radio programmers to add their songs into rotation, but their mission has permeated deeply.
    Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • Often mixed in to the beat are noisemakers like matracas – wooden objects in the shape of flags that produce a loud clacking sound when spun – and plastic horns called cornetas, which fans use to keep the matches animated from start to finish.
    Michael Rios, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
  • This is Linda Clover, volunteer, curator, and caretaker of the 46-foot-wide creation, who’s met thousands of tourists from all over the world at the ball eager to spin some twine and a story.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
Verb
  • Springfield staggered out of session this week with a $56 billion budget, no Bears deal and plenty of unfinished business.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026
  • Major events such as Hamilton and an Issa Rae show were swiftly canceled, staff departures staggered departments and drained the organization of expertise, and ticket sales drastically declined.
    Janay Kingsberry, The Atlantic, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • Elie Saab Redefining Travel and Living Elie Saab has been on a roll, on and off the runway.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 6 June 2026
  • And speaking of lobster rolls, Perkins Cove’s Lobster Shack has some of the freshest around and is also known for its traditional clam chowder.
    Kira Turnbull, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Establish and enforce basic pool and water safety rules, such as never swimming without an adult present.
    Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 6 June 2026
  • Kids will be wowed by the sharks swimming over their heads.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Here, at this 200,000-square-foot factory, seamstresses work eight and sometimes 12 hours a day, weaving together the American flag.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 6 June 2026
  • In the city center and on the outskirts, cars, bicycles and pedestrians weave around the trash piles.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • Unlike standard wheels, which rely solely on air pressure to push the tire against the rim, beadlocks use a bolted outer ring to physically sandwich the tire in place.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 June 2026
  • 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, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • The energy crisis has only amplified that business case as fuel prices lurch.
    Justin Worland, Time, 29 May 2026
  • Instead of thoughtful, adaptive action, characters lurch between hesitation and reckless decisions, with catastrophic results.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 21 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reel. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

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