variants
also whirrs
as in hums
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 whirrs
as in buzzes
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 whirs
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
As the documentary opens, insect whirs and faint helicopter chuf-chufs mix with a choral hymn.
—Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
Her vocals drift on the fluttery synth that swells as the bass whirs.
—Pitchfork, 10 Dec. 2025
A lot of this stuff follows the same thread, often steeped in vintage synth drones, whirrs, and buzzes that evoke the turn-of-the-Eighties sci-fi futurism the first TRON movie embodied back in 1982.
—Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 19 Sep. 2025
Stephen Trimble, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
Vonn posted a video on Friday night, in a hospital gown with monitors on her chest and the beeps and whirs from her room serving as a sort of mundane soundtrack.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
As the documentary opens, insect whirs and faint helicopter chuf-chufs mix with a choral hymn.
—Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
Her vocals drift on the fluttery synth that swells as the bass whirs.
—Pitchfork, 10 Dec. 2025
A lot of this stuff follows the same thread, often steeped in vintage synth drones, whirrs, and buzzes that evoke the turn-of-the-Eighties sci-fi futurism the first TRON movie embodied back in 1982.
—Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whirs
Noun
-
The dining room hums with music, cocktails flow freely and the buzz builds as the morning turns into afternoon, hinting at Lavo’s reputation as the Strip’s original party brunch destination.—
USA TODAY NETWORK,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2026
-
But if hotel noises, traffic rumbles, or plane hums keep you from getting some shut-eye, this compact sound machine may become your best travel companion.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Joe is lording over his fiefdom from his den, designed in perfect Don Corleone-chic decor, when his fax machine buzzes to life.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Liz’s Where Y’at Diner Downhome cooking takes center stage at Liz’s Where Y’at Diner, where owner Liz Munson buzzes between tables and greets customers with a smile and a hug.—
Amanda Ogle,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Honey is ready to bring love, purrs and playful cuddles to her forever home.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Mar. 2026
-
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
Verb
-
But the few times they’re forced to play their hurt feelings sincerely are as forced as the moment when Grace zips her gory wedding gown back on before it’s even been washed.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Mar. 2026
-
As of now, the areas with the greatest threat to see any significant accumulation would be the farthest southeastern parts of our region before the storm zips off to the east.—
Bill Kelly,
CBS News,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whirs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirs. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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