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

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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
Caleb Douglas isn’t the only Miami Dolphins rookie receiver producing highlight-reel catches during training camp. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026 Similar to Abrams, the young shortstop had shown a knack for exceptional, highlight-reel plays while struggling with consistency. — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
At least seven deaths have been attributed to the storms, and two weeks later, many people are still reeling from the storms and lack of power. — Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 The Germans were reeling and the 76th Infantry Division was on their tail. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 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
  • Returnees Connor Meadows, Owen Spell, LaParka Langston, Justin Royes and Jacob Maiva also figure to be a part of a rotation put together by new offensive line coach AJ Blazek.
    — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
  • That left Daniels with a group that featured a lot of sixth-round rookie Matt Gulbin and a little of Julian Good-Jones at center, and a right guard rotation with Good-Jones and undrafted rookie Tanoa Togiai.
    — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of rotation
Verb
  • Perry noted that unlike other spinning coasters, whose rotation may depend on weight distribution within the vehicle, these coaster cars are programmed to spin at specific times along the track, in sync with the on-board audio.
    — Eve Chen, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Before and after each screening, Cinespia’s signature DJs will spin sets while guests can enjoy the beer and wine bars as well as concession stands scattered throughout the cemetery grounds.
    — Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of spin
Verb
  • The funding document stated that the funding would be staggered and tied to different stages of the project, such as the official announcement of filming in Madrid, the start of shooting, and that Madrid had to appear in the film’s title.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Darwin, by then forty-nine and not in the greatest health, was staggered.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of stagger
Noun
  • Active starter better mimics the slow rise leavening action of yeast (in breads and rolls) versus quick acting leaveners like baking soda and powder.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Especially as this technology is clinically embedded, developers and leaders must keep a low threshold to pause implementation and roll-out should patient safety or physician workflows ever be impacted negatively.
    — Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of roll
Verb
  • An 8-year-old has died after contracting a rare brain-eating amoeba believed to have been encountered while swimming in a lake near her home, her family and health officials said.
    — Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Williams swims and, characteristically, has taken on a project — converting a circa-1780 building on the plaza by the village church into a gallery for Tom’s work.
    — Barbara Bry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of swim
Verb
  • After years of analysis, Caltrans has decided to weave strong micropiles into the 499 aging piles that now support the bridge’s piers, said Allan Kosup, chief deputy director of Caltrans District 11 in San Diego and Imperial counties.
    — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Kamnop is a quest for healing and justice, where dreams become reality, weaving together memory, sorrow and joy.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of weave
Noun
  • The Torcal’s response on-center is deliberately somewhat muted, progressing as the driver turns the wheel, helping maintain the illusion that the Torcal’s mere inertia is sufficient to carry it through irregularities in the path ahead.
    — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 27 Aug. 2026
  • But according to records reviewed during a deposition of the park’s director of maintenance, state officials were allegedly unaware that maintenance workers had replaced a wheel on one of the train cars prior to their inspection.
    — Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of wheel
Verb
  • Maresca, though, does not appear to have much taste for the Premier League’s lurch towards balls into the box.
    — Sam Lee, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The United States, which had been lurching toward entry in the Second World War, was suddenly and inescapably thrust into global conflict.
    — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of lurch

Phrases Containing reel

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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 29 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reel

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