SUSURRUS Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

susurrus

noun

Definition of susurrus

as in whisper

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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 susurrus Literature, in his view, was a susurrus of stifled screams, a missive from the netherworld of the collective imaginary. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 The shallow lagoon lends itself to taking in the surroundings — a kitesurfer skimming the crystalline surface to my left, a couple finding their balance on paddleboards to my right, and the susurrus of the sea all around. — Alisha Prakash, Travel + Leisure, 1 Mar. 2021 Dread creeps in; the ear instinctively fastens on anything, whether fire-hiss or bird call or susurrus of leaves, that will save it from this unknown emptiness. — The Economist, 17 May 2018 This aura suffuses every aspect of the production, including Lauren Helpern’s stylized woodland set; Isabella Byrd and Matt Frey’s crepuscular lighting and Leah Gelpe’s sound, which abounds in the susurrus of crickets. — Ben Brantley, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for susurrus

Noun

Stepping into a pool of mid-afternoon light, Claire Mazza raised her left arm above her head, eyes fixed on the whisper-thin space between her thumb and second finger.

— Lucy Gellman, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026
Even as everyone is talking to Jeff at Tribal, there are whispers back and forth, and the only words emerging are Eric and Brady, with a lot of I don’t knows thrown in for good measure.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of whisper

Noun

The same can’t be said of a busy indoor environment, where some of the loud background comes through as a murmur and the mics struggle to capture my voice intelligibly.

— Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026
Following murmurs of a cameo, director James Watkins confirmed that Aaron Paul makes a brief appearance in the DCU movie as Matt’s (Harries) father, who raised him in the slums of Gotham City.

— Glenn Garner, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of murmur

Noun

Once reading time kicked off during a recent meetup, the only sounds from the group were the quiet rustle of pages turning and the conscientious nibbling of snacks and sipping of tea as the cafe continued its bustle.

— Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 22 Oct. 2026
The full textile experience, after all, is multisensory—visual, tactile, and sometimes auditory (think of taffeta’s distinctive rustle).

— Leslie Camhi, Vogue, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of rustle

Noun

And from the wings, the usual supportive assaults from the media, a medley of mudslinging, a susurration of sneers and jibes about the clothing, the smile, the look.

— Gerard Baker, WSJ, 19 Oct. 2020
Standing directly underneath, their susurrations combine the sounds of flags snapping in a strong breeze and the whirr of a rumbling ice cream maker on this cold day.

— Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2020

Definition of susurration

Noun

Anthropic's new valuation projection signals a sigh of relief for the volatile AI trade, which has come under additional pressure since the Democratic wave in last week's midterms.

— Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2026
As the jury read its not guilty verdict to the more serious charge, a gasp could be heard from Ringquist’s family while Ouellette’s family let out a sigh of relief.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of sigh

Noun

And three, sometimes four, of those many waking hours are spent in the car — bouncing from home to school to her second or third job and home again — with music at full blast to drown out the babble of anxiety, most of it financial.

— Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
Companies modelled after Mary Kay that have reprised empowerment babble for their founders’ gain are mentioned but receive scarce judgment.

— Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 15 July 2026

Definition of babble

Noun

In some cases, corals turn stunningly fluorescent and colorful at the start of bleaching and after — a last bright gasp of life.

— Connie Hanzhang Jin, NPR, 8 Nov. 2026
As the jury read its not guilty verdict to the more serious charge, a gasp could be heard from Ringquist’s family while Ouellette’s family let out a sigh of relief.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of gasp

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“Susurrus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/susurrus. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of susurrus

noun

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