variants
also whirr
as in hum
a monotonous sound like that of an insect in motion
a whir coming from the refrigerator
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also whirr
as in to hum
to fly, turn, or move rapidly with a fluttering or vibratory sound
the hummingbird whirred as it hovered over a flower our tires whirred as we traveled over the rough road
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of whir
IEEE Spectrum, 1 Apr. 2026
The record’s propulsive synths mimic the whirr of wheels on the road, mechanized background noise for a life and a mind that won’t be still.
—Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 9 Mar. 2026
Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026
This vast bundle of life and existence whirrs continually, creating the comforting harmonic tone that defines this place.
—Stephen Trimble, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for whir
Noun
Woo walked slowly across the room, using a walker to stabilize his upper body, his steps a symphony of clunks and creaks and whirs.
—IEEE Spectrum, 1 Apr. 2026
The record’s propulsive synths mimic the whirr of wheels on the road, mechanized background noise for a life and a mind that won’t be still.
—Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
Culinary team member Nancy Eisman suggested whirring them into pesto.
—Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026
This vast bundle of life and existence whirrs continually, creating the comforting harmonic tone that defines this place.
—Stephen Trimble, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for whir
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whir
Noun
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The series, which stars Hall (Resurrection, Christine) as a popular English teacher who suddenly begins to hear a persistent low hum that no-one else can hear, runs to five parts.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
7 May 2026
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But the city's kitchens today hum with something new, thanks to a wave of creative energy that has reshaped the Colombian city over the past decade.—
Allie Lazar,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 May 2026
Verb
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At the time of his murder, Mizell was in a lounge on the studio’s second floor with another man when two men were buzzed in.—
Andrew Flanagan,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2026
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TopicsVogue Parties The Met Gala buzz starts now.—
Aaron Royce,
Vogue,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Unlike at Shadden’s, the only mechanical purr is the brief rumble of a passing car.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 May 2026
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In its megacities and beyond, traffic is increasingly falling silent, the dull whir of the electric motor replacing the purr of an internal combustion engine.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whir. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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