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
That curiosity is part of what makes Conviction of the Heart more than a greatest-hits reel. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026 The actor fronts the beauty brand’s first collaboration in a social reel, revisiting the memorable scene from the 2004 cult film to introduce its new Kissylips Comfy Hydrating Therapy Lip Mask. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
With wars and climate catastrophes hitting a world still reeling from 7 million deaths caused by COVID-19, Shelley’s pandemic novel has perhaps never felt so relevant. — Eileen Hunt, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2026 Winning was a major relief for a team that was reeling during the week after receiving the news that Dart, their starting quarterback, was out for the season and undergoing surgery Friday to repair a torn meniscus and MCL. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 27 Sep. 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
  • The rotation into tech which started in late July still has room to run, Deutsche Bank said.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Mango Wool Leopard-Print Long Coat Although some may see it as too trendy, leopard print is actually a great neutral to have on rotation if designed correctly.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of rotation
Verb
  • Wilson wrapped up and spun Mateer on a quarterback sack, the ball coming loose again, with Cole opportunistically on the spot to scoop up the fumble and return it 23 yards to the Oklahoma 11.
    — Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 27 Sep. 2026
  • In 2025, the brand launched the Cotton Project, a T-shirt and denim collection made of cotton grown, ginned, spun, knit, cut and sewn all within a 400-mile radius of the brand’s headquarters.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of spin
Verb
  • The firm noted that the apps had staggered platform releases split between Apple and Google Play, which would impact their totals.
    — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 21 Sep. 2026
  • To adjust to the limited space, many teams are expected to stagger arrivals of athletes and officials.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of stagger
Noun
  • Garcia said at the time that the voter roll purge was done in compliance with new Florida elections laws, which require voters to renew their registration if they are deemed inactive.
    — Joshua Ceballos, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
  • This informed the wardrobe that encompasses a rock ’n’ roll attitude with glamour, allure and ease.
    — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of roll
Verb
  • Chinook salmon swim upstream first in the fall, and coho salmon usually start appearing in the Scott River to spawn in November.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • While most long-bodied marine creatures swim like eels by flexing their whole bodies, the oarfish remains almost perfectly still.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of swim
Verb
  • Elaine unravels that mystery, weaving together the way insurance companies’ coverage decisions have shaped how these medicines are used.
    — Amanda Erickson, STAT, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Intricate leather weaves reinterpreted the brand’s classic bags and shoes, while denim, crystal embroidery and ostrich-effect materials added pizzazz to the lineup.
    — Katie Abel, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of weave
Noun
  • So, this is better considered a prefab park model on wheels rather than a typical tiny house that will be towed around with any regularity.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Time, not thriftily spent but flagrantly wasted at cards or the wheel, is brought to a standstill right at the moment of its greatest potentiality—this would have to be the ultimate payoff.
    — Artforum, Artforum, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of wheel
Verb
  • The alternative is a region that lurches from crisis to crisis, and from one extreme to another.
    — DAN RESTREPO, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Maybe this is what the Chargers are — lurching, sputtering and unable to consistently move the football, despite an offensive overhaul packed with lofty expectations.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 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 3 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reel

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