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
Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
As the Twin Cities reel from the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal immigration agents, the city's business community responded with a call for common sense and common ground.
—Arkansas Online, 2 Feb. 2026
Jay Harris, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Whether these five features will be part of next year’s Oscar conversation is anyone’s guess, but audiences reeling from a particularly brutal winter could certainly do worse than spending an evening with one of them.
—David Faris, TheWeek, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reel
Noun
George Pickens was named offensive MVP after making some highlight-reel grabs as the NFC defeated the AFC 66-52 in the league’s now-annual flag football game.
—Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
As the Twin Cities reel from the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal immigration agents, the city's business community responded with a call for common sense and common ground.
—Arkansas Online, 2 Feb. 2026
Verb
Spurs are still reeling and trying to find their feet after a dizzying amount of change at executive level over the last 12 months, which includes the departures of executive chairman Daniel Levy and chief football officer Scott Munn, with the Lewis family reasserting control of daily operations.
—Jay Harris, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Whether these five features will be part of next year’s Oscar conversation is anyone’s guess, but audiences reeling from a particularly brutal winter could certainly do worse than spending an evening with one of them.
—David Faris, TheWeek, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reel
Noun
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Roupp won the fifth rotation spot out of camp, pitched well to begin the season, then got absolutely shelled at Dodger Stadium on June 8.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
10 Feb. 2026
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Jones will team with second-year outside linebackers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen — along with some outside additions — in the pass rushing rotation in 2026.—
Mike Kaye
February 10,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Then spin it around local San Francisco ingredients.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
7 Feb. 2026
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Insights into Alzheimer’s Interestingly, the molecular tricks spiders use to spin their webs are similar to the sophisticated signaling processes found in human neurotransmitter and hormone receptors.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Ware has since moved to a bench role and Spoelstra has staggered the minutes of Adebayo and Ware for 16 straight games.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
8 Feb. 2026
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The trio fled; Cordell staggered to his feet, blood gushing from his face.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Across the rooms and suites, four-poster beds, open fireplaces, and signature freestanding copper roll-top baths are signature additions.—
Lydia Bell,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Feb. 2026
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If the roll-up door on your garage doesn't have a weather seal at the bottom, add one.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Last week, a 13-year-old boy swam for hours to shore to get help for his mother and siblings after the family was swept out to sea.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
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Never try to swim against a rip current!—
Carlos E. Castañeda,
CBS News,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Vimini is likely just a hint of what’s to come, as Bulgari weaves designs from its past with the fresh talent and the state-of-the-art resources shaping its future.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
7 Feb. 2026
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Coleman drove north in southbound lanes and was weaving in traffic when officers lost sight of him for the final time, according to the probable cause statement.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Police found three bullet holes in the passenger side of the other car, as well as a bullet ricochet indentation on the car’s rear wheel panel, according to the report.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
10 Feb. 2026
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The entry-level rear-wheel-drive BEV comes with a single electric motor that’s rated at 362 hp and a top speed of 125 mph (200 km/h).—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The big polar bear lurched forward, hitting top speed in two strides.—
Scott Haugen,
Outdoor Life,
4 Feb. 2026
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As Matt Woosnam reflected recently, the Premier League’s feel-good story has lurched into night terrors.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reel. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.
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