reel off

verb

Definition of reel offnext
1
as in to recite
to give from memory he's able to reel off the names of all the U.S. presidents, in historical order and without pausing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to list
to specify one after another her friend proceeded to reel off the roster of losers that she had dated over the years

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 off That list—which my fiancé can likely reel off by heart—includes opening packages, doing certain types of workouts (boxing, for one), closing my hand into a fist, and picking up any card or coin that falls on the floor. — Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 2 July 2026 The Mustangs have reeled off 31 straight victories since their season-opening loss to Guerin, which will play Andrean for the Class 3A state title on Friday. — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026 With Wednesday’s win, the Knicks have reeled off 12 straight playoff victories. — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 5 June 2026 Hochul hit back by suggesting the Knicks are head and shoulders ahead of the Spurs after a reeling off an amazing 11-game playoff winning streak and two straight series sweeps. — Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reel off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reel off
  1. recite
  2. list
  3. memorize
  4. detail
  5. outline
Verb
  • Narrated by Diane Lane, reciting Eleanor’s journals from the time, this is a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse that is both process-oriented and touchingly personal.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
  • In a unique adaptation of a traditional ceremony, the bridal party reinterpreted the seven blessings by reciting their own personalized blessing for the couple.
    — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of recite
Verb
  • The five were transported to hospitals, and one initially listed as having life-threatening injuries has been upgraded to critical condition, county police said.
    — Patrick Whittle, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • One person, a 21-year-old man who was initially listed as having life-threatening injuries, was upgraded to critical condition, police said in a news release Saturday night.
    — Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of list
Verb
  • Others are employing the old-fashioned strategy deployed by their parents, strutting up to storefronts with resume in hand and elevator pitch memorized.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Success can no longer be defined by how much information students memorize before graduation.
    — Lisa Schade, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of memorize
Verb
  • The reading, which will detail inflation in July, arrives days after government data showed unexpected job losses last month, suggesting strain on the economy as a months-long bout of elevated price hikes weighed on shoppers.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The organization publicly releases minimal information detailing incidents in the region, refraining from specifying the vessels involved.
    — Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of detail
Verb
  • Colorado doctors will still be recommending the long-standing immunization schedule outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
    — Olivia Young, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Green made a presentation, now rather famous among his colleagues, that outlined his meta-layered vision, complete with shots of Michael Mann’s The Insider and stuffed with references to other legal dramas like The Verdict and Erin Brockovich.
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of outline

Browse Nearby Words

reeling off
reel off
reels
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reel off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reel%20off. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on reel off

Nglish: Translation of reel off for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of oxymoron

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Is “GIF” Pronounced “Jiff” or “Giff”?

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All