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thrum 1 of 2

noun

Definition of thrumnext
as in hum
a monotonous sound like that of an insect in motion the steady thrum of the turbines in the power plant

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

thrum

2 of 2

verb

as in to whisper

Related 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 thrum
Noun
The whole area is designed as a tranquil refuge from the thrum of the streets outside – the bar serves juices but no alcohol, there's no smoking, no loud music, and no kids allowed. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Apr. 2026 Try sitting in the waiting room at a doctor’s office and listening to the bland thrum of the music. — New York Times, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
Set in the Opera Terrace on the top floor of Covent Garden’s historic Market Building, the buzzy restaurant is thrumming with life. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 12 Mar. 2026 By the afternoon, the same room thrummed with the clink of glasses and unhurried conversation. — Katie Strasberg Rousso, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thrum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thrum
  1. hum
  2. whisper
  3. purr
  4. hiss
  5. buzz
  6. murmur
  7. sigh
  8. whir
Noun
  • On campus, there's that hum of excitement in the air as students find their way to classes, meet new roommates and scurry off to pep rallies and rush week.
    — Janet W. Lee, NPR, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Where the water stays The hum of the engines pumping water onto the field echoes across the field.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of hum
Verb
  • The woman who had compiled the Handy Hints book helpfully explained these technical details to Flynn, whispering in his ear like someone translating a foreign language.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Texans joined hands, whispered prayers - and some armed themselves, bought supplies and waited.
    — Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of whisper
Noun
  • Highlights and experiences It is always a special event stepping out of Venice’s airport onto a pontoon and a polished mahogany water taxi that drops you off canalside near your hotel, after a purr through the Grand Canal.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Kimie Smothermon begins each day greeted by the squeals, chirps and purrs of nearly 400 guinea pigs.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of purr
Verb
  • Scientists previously created tiny diving suits for Madagascar hissing cockroaches that could be used in perilous search operations, according to a study published in the journal Nature Communications.
    — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 3 Sep. 2026
  • But delivering that level of craft in a high-octane room where the hissing espresso machine competes with the bassline?
    — Carly Boers, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of hiss
Noun
  • There’s a real buzz in the air, both from the eager Londoners queuing patiently for their order, and from the heady fumes of roasting beans—piled up like mountains of glossy jewels behind the counter.
    — Sarah Allard, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The Debut Having just premiered in Telluride days earlier, Jesse Eisenberg’s latest film was riding a huge wave of buzz for Julianne Moore’s lead performance, but opinions on the movie itself were harder to nail down.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of buzz
Verb
  • Someone murmured something about bacon and eggs being more appropriate at this time of day.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Then Bryce Eldridge stepped to the plate and the crowd began to murmur.
    — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of murmur
Verb
  • Lifting a stem of cauliflower to his lips, my brother sighs deeply.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
  • With that, the Australian reporters sighed and smiled and the underdog-loving fans here likely will as well.
    — Vic Tafur, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of sigh
Verb
  • At night, breeze wafts through louvres, circulated by whirring ceiling fans.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The jumpers climbed into the belly of a maroon-and-white jumpship as its propellers began to whir and then roar.
    — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of whir

Browse Nearby Words

throw up
thrum
thrummed
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Cite this Entry

“Thrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thrum. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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