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
Sarah Rodman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Dec. 2025
Following a heads-up from Harry, the top of the Ammortal Chamber began to lower with a sudden whir.
—Kristen Geil, Outside, 4 Dec. 2025
Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2025
The four rotating arms on the Nebulaz ride whirred furiously like the inner workings of a clock — and made less noise than a ticking second hand on a watch.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whir
Noun
In the space of a few minutes, the viewer is whipsawed between the whir of a pit crew member’s wheel gun and the exuberant announcers to the crowd doing the wave and to the drivers speaking on helmet microphones.
—Sarah Rodman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Dec. 2025
Following a heads-up from Harry, the top of the Ammortal Chamber began to lower with a sudden whir.
—Kristen Geil, Outside, 4 Dec. 2025
Verb
In the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter, Felipe’s Heladería hums with a nostalgic rhythm—whirring blenders, clinking spoons, and that telltale chorus of people debating toppings.
—Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2025
The four rotating arms on the Nebulaz ride whirred furiously like the inner workings of a clock — and made less noise than a ticking second hand on a watch.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whir
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whir
Noun
-
Across the hinterlands of western Texas and rural Wyoming, gas flares that once lit the night sky have been replaced by the quiet hum of generators.—
Aldo Svaldi,
Denver Post,
15 Jan. 2026
-
There’s something almost spiritual about walking among these giants—the cool air, the rustle of leaves, and the quiet hum of nature.—
Amplified Content Studio,
Mercury News,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In 2004, the show was rebranded as The Soup, giving a nod to its predecessor while also expanding further into the pop culture moments that had everyone buzzing.—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
-
By Elin McCoy, Bloomberg In a Brooklyn warehouse in early November, the 2025 New York Raw Wine fair was buzzing with drinkers hunting the latest in natural wine.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Geography and tragedy unite them, as does the purr of comfort inherent in their cooking.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Jan. 2026
-
This person was less than purr-fect.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
4 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Whir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whir. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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