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
Wayne G. McDonnell, Jr., Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
The account Memoir World posted an Instagram reel about the eggs, which had been viewed 4.5 million times as of this writing.
—Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
Ye Myo Hein, Foreign Affairs, 17 Apr. 2025
After a server at a Pilsen restaurant was attacked, a community wants justice
The footage of two women brutally attacking a server at Taco Azteca, a longtime Mexican restaurant in Pilsen, last weekend has left a neighborhood reeling, according to residents and local leaders.
—Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reel
Noun
Instead of a highlight reel celebrating the thrill of victory, Major League Baseball and Imagine Documentaries wanted to reinvent the World Series film.
—Wayne G. McDonnell, Jr., Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
The account Memoir World posted an Instagram reel about the eggs, which had been viewed 4.5 million times as of this writing.
—Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
The military regime, reeling from devastating losses, is in deep trouble.
—Ye Myo Hein, Foreign Affairs, 17 Apr. 2025
After a server at a Pilsen restaurant was attacked, a community wants justice
The footage of two women brutally attacking a server at Taco Azteca, a longtime Mexican restaurant in Pilsen, last weekend has left a neighborhood reeling, according to residents and local leaders.
—Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reel
Noun
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Following a dominant spring training, Meyer secured a spot in the Marlins’ rotation and has since emerged as the team’s most reliable starter.—
Isaac Azout,
Miami Herald,
21 Apr. 2025
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However, between its strangely obfuscated profiles and overall lack of extra features, Raw shouldn't be the only dating app in your rotation.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Less than two months later, the Warriors then spun Schröder to the Pistons in the multi-team trade that sent Jimmy Butler to the Bay Area.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
19 Apr. 2025
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Although deGrom gave up just one run over seven strong innings, Yamamoto spun seven scoreless innings at Globe Life Field.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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As Harry staggers away from what's left of his victim, Richie seems satisfied.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
20 Apr. 2025
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The data collection efforts that have been shut down or are at risk of being curtailed are staggering in their breadth.—
Alec MacGillis,
ProPublica,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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According to The New York Times, early turnout was sparse, though not surprising given the tiny voter roll of 279 individuals.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
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And as the credits roll, Joel’s not with Ellie anymore.—
Sara Netzley,
EW.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The way the film swims through the contradictions, considerations, and cultural reverie of the rural South is genuinely enlivening.—
Angelica Jade Bastién,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
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A number of the boat’s passengers, among them women and children, died after jumping into the water and being unable to swim.—
David Chiu,
People.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Sherrod opened the scoring with a 65-yard touchdown, weaving through the defense before breaking into the open backfield.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
20 Apr. 2025
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Grid fleece weaves in about 5 percent elastane (aka Spandex) in a grid-like pattern (hence the name).—
Scott Gilbertson,
Wired News,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension, anti-roll bars, and four-wheel disc brakes with 14-inch wheels were standard.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
25 Apr. 2025
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Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
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My stomach dropped as my seat lurched backwards, pointing me towards the shoreline.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
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As the war lurched into its fourth year, Russian losses of tanks, fighting vehicles and other heavy equipment had exceeded 20,000, according to the analysts at the Oryx intelligence collective, which confirms each loss with imagery from the front line.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reel. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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