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

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
Noun
In mid-September, Oprah posted an Instagram reel wearing the most divine sweater, which combined a fisherman knit with delicate lace trim. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 2 Oct. 2026 But recovering from a second knee injury in as many years offers time for reflection, including that highlight reel which birthed his legend almost 10 years ago. — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
The primary came as the Chicago area reeled from arrests, deportations and violence that occurred during Operation Midway Blitz, the federal government’s immigration enforcement campaign last fall. — Marni Pyke, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026 While the pop culture world is still reeling over Kelly Clarkson’s feud with a Brooklyn store, there’s a new online row bubbling up on X between Kacey Musgraves and Kristi Noem. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 12 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
  • Unlike via old-school shopping channels, where brands are in constant rotation and must make their case in a limited amount of time, on TikTok, longer Lives are better.
    — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • With most of the Heat’s rotation regulars held out of Saturday’s 125-124 preseason loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Kaseya Center, Jovic stepped into a bigger role and started.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of rotation
Verb
  • Bubba Wallace exited the Bank of America 400 on Lap 77 after Alex Bowman spun into him near the bank on the Turn 2 corner exit on Sunday in a race eventually won by Chase Briscoe.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The track hoe operator repeatedly spun the machine to the west, dug into a mound of sand, spun 180 degrees and dropped the sand.
    — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of spin
Verb
  • The talent is still there, but Herbert has staggered to a dismal start.
    — Sam Jane, Denver Post, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The new board terms will be staggered, with members serving either two- or four-year terms.
    — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of stagger
Noun
  • The idea grew from her work at Sunshine, where Mayer’s team concluded that about 60% of a typical camera roll is worth sharing.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Battles over voter rolls, citizenship and federal authority There are secretary of state contests in 26 states this November.
    — Thom Reilly, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of roll
Verb
  • It’s estimated about 25% of the sunscreen people apply to their skin washes off while swimming or wading in the ocean.
    — Matthew Perrone, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Other marine mammals, such as harbor seals, have also been known to swim into the Delta.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of swim
Verb
  • On a recent Sunday afternoon, shoppers crowded the aisles at Tri Ocean Seafood Market on South Federal Boulevard, weaving around carts piled high with dragon fruit, Thai bananas and bundles of fresh herbs.
    — Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The Ivy League college where fraternities throw parties in towering mansions and students weave between deep gorges on their way to class is being rocked over the handling of rape allegations from 2024.
    — Grey Battle, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of weave
Noun
  • Videos posted on social media showed a torrent of water rushing through a street near the Las Vegas Strip, with a Ferris wheel and casinos in the background.
    — JAIMIE DING, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Besides, the company has spent much of its decade-long existence retrofitting normal cars with self-driving technology; the wheel is largely a vestigial inheritance.
    — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of wheel
Verb
  • Sometimes the wagon will lurch forward on that initial pull before settling into your walking rhythm.
    — Thomas Ricker, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The alternative is a region that lurches from crisis to crisis, and from one extreme to another.
    — DAN RESTREPO, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 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 17 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reel

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