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, 29 Jan. 2025
Outside Los Angeles City Hall, the whir of helicopters overhead was drowned out by a cacophony of bullhorns and fiery chanting.
—Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2025
Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
The couple alternates between passionate embraces and domestic tension (an ambulance shows up in their driveway, at one point, its whirring red and blue light hinting something sinister has just taken place).
—Brent Lang, Variety, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whir
Noun
At the press of a button, the Pad-O-Matic whirs into life, spitting out perfect—and now marginally more convenient!—cryptographic security.
—IEEE Spectrum, 29 Jan. 2025
Outside Los Angeles City Hall, the whir of helicopters overhead was drowned out by a cacophony of bullhorns and fiery chanting.
—Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2025
Verb
This duo is a perfect modern frontcourt for OKC’s whirring perimeter defense.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
The couple alternates between passionate embraces and domestic tension (an ambulance shows up in their driveway, at one point, its whirring red and blue light hinting something sinister has just taken place).
—Brent Lang, Variety, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whir
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whir
Verb
-
Deep balls spiraled aggressively, and flat routes hummed.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Sample the food In the morning, Inti Raymi hums with travelers in hiking gear and sneakers fueling up for a day exploring Cuzco or beyond.—
Jennifer Kester,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In the clip, Boo lies on her chest and purrs for the first time since her adoption.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
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Once he is acclimated, this little purr machine will capture your heart.—
Trish Stinger,
Kansas City Star,
7 May 2025
Noun
-
There have been a lot of whispers and rumours about where this prospective investment could come from but nothing concrete has emerged yet.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
-
There are enough vague, intractable whispers of diplomacy and further talks about talks, to provide the tantalising promise of a deal, without striking, or even delineating one.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
Using data to create buzz, reduce churn, and keep people coming back will continue to be challenges for any streamer.—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
16 May 2025
-
Now, with Tesla’s EV sales down 13% in the first quarter, the company needs some buzz to reassure investors CEO Musk can turn things around.—
Alan Ohnsman,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Whir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whir. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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