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
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
Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
One hustle play in each of the Gophers’ first two games will be added to the reel.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 11 Sep. 2025
Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Ten-foot swells rose up and sent our boat reeling.
—Martin Suarez, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reel
Noun
There’s a wedding reception scene at the very end of the closing credits’ blooper reel.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
One hustle play in each of the Gophers’ first two games will be added to the reel.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
Student communities are reeling after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, raising questions about what his death means for campus politics and free speech.
—Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Ten-foot swells rose up and sent our boat reeling.
—Martin Suarez, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reel
Noun
-
The Dodgers won last year with a rotation that was thoroughly depleted.—
Chad Jennings,
New York Times,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Several injured players are making their returns to the roster, Mookie Betts is looking like his old self again and the starting rotation has been healthy and effective.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Delivering an incredible 280 Air Watts of suction through its fifth generation Hyperdymium capable of spinning at 135,000rpm, the flagship model boasts a number of other supporting technologies such as laser dust detection, whole-machine HEPA filtration, and a 70-minute runtime.—
Alex Harrington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Gaudí’s structure is a head-spinning mixture of morphing geometrical forms, many inspired by nature.—
D. T. Max,
New Yorker,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Roughly two-thirds of the state’s billionaires made their fortunes in finance and investments, including richest resident (former NYC mayor) Michael Bloomberg, who’s worth staggering $109 billion.—
Ella Malmgren,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Losing Garcia for any length of time would further stagger an Astros pitching staff that can ill afford any more attrition.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Remove the sides of the pan, transfer rolls to a plate and sprinkle with cilantro.—
Bethany Thayer,
Freep.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Replace the top half of the rolls.—
Mary Claire Britton,
Southern Living,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
To avoid being swept away, swim parallel to the shore to exit a rip current.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Fish and other large creatures swim freely, move against the current, and leave behind a trail of molecules.—
Katherine Bourzac,
Quanta Magazine,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Aliée Istanbul All of the hotels bordering the Bosphorus have an impressive view of the boats weaving through the river’s currents and the Asian half of Istanbul on the other side.—
Laurie Werner,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Our Top Picks for the Best Bedroom Rugs Solid rugs can bring a pop of color into your bedroom and weave in texture at the same time.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Then there were the gym class scooters, which were basically just a flat plastic surface and four wheels of death that would send you careening across the gym floor, often crushing your fingers in the process.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Everyone has an opinion about Rachel’s exit on the hamster wheel.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
To make for a more energy efficient and less nerve-racking exodus experience, once the line grows large enough, pulsing begins, wherein vehicles move in packs rather than lurch along at 5 mph.—
Denver Nicks,
Rolling Stone,
14 Sep. 2025
-
The title track opens the affair by lurching and creeping forward for ten minutes with odd, off-putting lyrics.—
Jed Gottlieb,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reel. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share