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
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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
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Recent Examples of reel
Jenna Ryu, SELF, 19 Mar. 2026
The photos currently flooding my social media stream are like a highlight reel of the life of Chicana civil rights icon Dolores Huerta.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026
The strikes sent shockwaves across the global energy market, which was already reeling from the consequences of Iran's chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, a key conduit of the world's oil supply.
—Npr Staff, NPR, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reel
Noun
For many of us, that word conjures a specific archetype—someone with a good career, a six-figure salary, and a LinkedIn profile that reads like a highlight reel of promotions.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 19 Mar. 2026
The photos currently flooding my social media stream are like a highlight reel of the life of Chicana civil rights icon Dolores Huerta.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
Meanwhile, Duke was reeling from distance, making only two of its 15 3-point attempts.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026
The strikes sent shockwaves across the global energy market, which was already reeling from the consequences of Iran's chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, a key conduit of the world's oil supply.
—Npr Staff, NPR, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reel
Noun
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The robot’s motions closely matched the operator’s, from arm swings and torso rotation to step length and leg lift, maintaining a high level of synchronization and rhythm, reports Techinasia.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Mar. 2026
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The Heat then used a bench rotation of Kel’el Ware, Jaquez, Powell, Kasparas Jakucionis and Myron Gardner against the Spurs.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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As the Illini were trying to build a first-half lead, Stojaković took a pass at the top of the key, drove left, then right, then spun to the basket for a layup and a foul.—
Colleen Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Mar. 2026
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The recycled cotton and polyester are then extracted in batches and spun back into new denim fabric.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Stack your left foot on top of your right, or stagger your feet so both are on the ground.—
Jenny McCoy,
Outside,
23 Mar. 2026
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The two would stagger back into the house, sweaty, looking a mess and talking a mess, too.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Braden Smith’s dream scenario was to break the NCAA’s all-time assists record to Trey Kaufman-Renn on a short roll.—
CJ Moore,
New York Times,
21 Mar. 2026
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Relax by the grand fireplace overlooking the mountainside as you’re delivered triers of sweet pastries and chocolate treats, savory salmon toasts, lobster rolls, and more while Artisanal high chocolate is poured over fluffy cotton candy.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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By swimming among them day after day.—
BRADY DENNIS THE WASHINGTON POST,
Arkansas Online,
22 Mar. 2026
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The sentences swim and skim like surface bugs.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Yet Stunning Landscape As part of their investigation, the journalists weave through allegations of institutional corruption, secret police operations, drug trafficking, and an overnight visit to the Devil’s Punchbowl.—
Madison Dapcevich,
Outside,
21 Mar. 2026
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Timberlake was initially arrested in June 2024 after police stopped him for weaving out of his lane and failing to obey a stop sign.—
Steven J. Horowitz,
Variety,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Though similar to the company’s e-bikes, which look more-or-less as one expects a bicycle to look, the glider has smaller wheels and a larger, more cushiony seat.—
Sasha Richie,
Dallas Morning News,
24 Mar. 2026
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Inside are four inward-facing seats, similar to a ferris wheel or train car, with chargers, ports and a control panel for support, music and climate control.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Over the course of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s term, CPS has lurched from budget crisis to budget crisis, able only to muddle through due to record-breaking mayoral declarations of tax-increment-financing surpluses.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
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There are plenty of differences, but the stability Atleti have fostered in sticking with Simeone stands in stark contrast to Spurs’ habit of lurching between managers, styles and approaches.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reel. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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