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
-
The musical prose hums with different accents, most evidently with Milena’s quips in French and Enzo’s Levantine lilt.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Jan. 2026
-
While most of the country huddles indoors against the winter chill, the City by the Bay hums with a unique energy—born from its legacy as one of the world’s true cultural capitals.—
Noel Burgess,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
At the same time, cities are buzzing with networking activity, often with multiple events each week offering a range of formats and experiences to dip into.—
Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
-
My body was buzzing—as was my group chat.—
Margaux Anbouba,
Vogue,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Washington delivers the dialogue with a thrilling range from purrs to roars, all imbued with an authoritative swagger.—
Brady Brickner-Wood,
New Yorker,
21 Jan. 2026
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Geography and tragedy unite them, as does the purr of comfort inherent in their cooking.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whir. Accessed 26 Jan. 2026.
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