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
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Recent Examples of reel
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
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
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
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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
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The lone survivor of the half-hour killing spree, critically injured 49-year-old David Hernandez, staggered to a nearby street where police officers were trying to revive another Santos victim.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 May 2026
-
Three commissioners serve staggered six-year terms.—
Emily Holshouser,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 May 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Reel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reel. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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