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
Because of their massive size, film reels including IMAX shots can be unusually long and heavy. — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026 An era of on-demand highlight reels has taken much of the allure out of sports’ all-star competitions. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 14 July 2026
Verb
More than 30 civilians have been killed in American strikes on Iran in recent days, Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said today, as the country reels from yet another night of bombardment. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 15 July 2026 By the end of the series, the family is reeling from a devastating loss, while Sheldon makes the difficult decision to leave Texas behind to pursue his academic goals in California. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 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
  • Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are aging out of the cover rotation and EA needs the next face locked down.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • The Sox are trying to manage the workload for both guys, who still figure into the team’s long-term rotation plans.
    — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of rotation
Verb
  • Rather than a concert, Benton envisioned the evening as a community dance party featuring four veteran Kansas City DJs spinning classic funk, R&B and early hip-hop.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
  • Hurricanes are predicted to grow stronger and spin up faster, too, having a more damaging effect.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Definition of spin
Verb
  • The American staggered out of the gates at Royal Portrush last year to an opening 78, but played the final three rounds in a blazing 16-under-par.
    — Justin Ray, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • Employers staggered work schedules, commuters mapped alternate routes and many residents avoided the city altogether.
    — Andrea Clement, AJC.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of stagger
Noun
  • Alexis Mac Allister went in hard on Dani Olmo; an uncompromising, flying challenge that left the Spaniard in a heap on the floor (after a few rolls for dramatic effect).
    — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Other states including New Mexico and West Virginia also recently won dismissals of lawsuits seeking their voter rolls as well, as states push back against federal lawsuits, according to the Associated Press.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026
Definition of roll
Verb
  • There’s still plenty of summer left to spend by the pool or at the beach, and Prime members can save on swimsuits and swim trunks while the sale is live.
    — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2026
  • Also, never swim after drinking alcohol or using marijuana or other substances that can impact alertness.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Definition of swim
Verb
  • Under the supervision of a local artisan, guests sit cross-legged on a carpet beneath a large tree and weave their own small version of the bed.
    — Emese Maczko, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • The superintendent served as master of ceremonies, with performers weaving around him, cameos by celebrities, and slide projections and film sequences appearing on cue to supplement his applause and laugh lines.
    — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of weave
Noun
  • In one picture, Archie sits in the cockpit of a plane, manning the wheel.
    — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
  • Burgess and Nicholas’ View The wheels are coming off of this Congress.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of wheel
Verb
  • The statue is dragged via ropes by grunting Trojans before being lurched upright against a sacred temple, once again jostling those inside.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • Adams’ shoulders lurched on the bench, while Richards fell to his knees, dug his afro into the grass, and closed his eyes in pain.
    — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 7 July 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 25 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reel

Nglish: Translation of reel for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reel

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