Synonyms of whir

whir 1 of 2

noun

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

• hum
• purr
• buzz
• whisper
• rustle
• thrum
• drone
• sigh
• zoom
• whiz
• murmur
• chirr
• moan
• gasp
• churr
• burr
• gurgle
• babble
• hiss
• coo
• susurrus
• susurration
• zip
• zing
• suspiration
• whish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• roar
• scream
• shriek
• screech
• yell
• squeal
• howl
• squall
• yelp
• bawl

whir

2 of 2

verb

ˈ(h)wər 

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

• hum
• buzz
• zip
• whisper
• burr
• hiss
• whiz
• drone
• murmur
• zoom
• sigh
• purr
• whistle
• bumble
• thrum
• whish
• chirr
• coo
• rustle
• whoosh
• churr
• swish
• fizz
• sizzle
• wheeze
• curr

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of whir

Noun

Eastern Ukraine — There is a whirr, a flurry of dust, a pause as the grainy image recalibrates, and then a devastating blast. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 30 May 2026

On the Iron Horse Regional Trail traversing Contra Costa and Alameda counties, the whir of electric bikes has become part of the summer soundtrack. — Maddie White, CBS News, 26 May 2026

Verb

Then whir that with ice in a blender. — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 10 June 2026

The production design closely resembled that of his recent Rolling Loud set and his in-progress Don’t Be Dumb tour, including a helicopter hanging from the top of the stage (its whirring blades could be heard between songs). — Drew Cohen, SPIN, 9 June 2026