as in hum
a monotonous sound like that of an insect in motion
heard the burr of a distant engine
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to hum
to fly, turn, or move rapidly with a fluttering or vibratory sound
the pitch burred past the batter's ear
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of burr
Bestreviews, Mercury News, 14 July 2025
Think conical burr grinders, milk frothers, and more.
—Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 July 2025
Each burr is rendered with astonishing devotion, pitted and scarred where the antlers shed free in springtime.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 2 July 2025
Someone used a chainsaw to illegally cut down five burr and basswood trees along the walking and bike paths at Cedar Lake, causing thousands of dollars in damage, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board says.
—Axios Twin Cities, Axios, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for burr
Noun
The alternative to burr grinders is blade grinders.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 14 July 2025
Think conical burr grinders, milk frothers, and more.
—Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 July 2025
Each burr is rendered with astonishing devotion, pitted and scarred where the antlers shed free in springtime.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 2 July 2025
Someone used a chainsaw to illegally cut down five burr and basswood trees along the walking and bike paths at Cedar Lake, causing thousands of dollars in damage, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board says.
—Axios Twin Cities, Axios, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for burr
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burr
Noun
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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,
12 Sep. 2025
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At first glance, Nam-Joon Cho’s lab at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University looks like your typical research facility—scientists toiling away, crowded workbenches, a hum of machinery in the background.—
Sandy Ong,
JSTOR Daily,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The viral clip has racked up nearly 19 million views so far, leaving fans buzzing over the pair’s funny performance.—
Escher Walcott,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
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The internet buzzed when Team Cherry announced Silksong.—
Keller Gordon,
NPR,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Washington delivers the dialogue with a thrilling range from purrs to roars, all imbued with an authoritative swagger.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
15 Aug. 2025
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Fluffy robot pets that purr for your attention or tell you a joke.—
Joseph Coughlin,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Verb
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Commissioner David Suarez, named as a defendant in the lawsuit, made a brief appearance at Wednesday’s press conference, zipping in front of reporters on an electric scooter.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
10 Sep. 2025
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Rent a golf cart or e-bike to zip around the resort.—
Elliott Harrell,
Southern Living,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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High in the hills near the Myanmar border, Ban Rak Thai greets the morning with the smell of oolong and the soft rustle of tea leaves.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
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As Denver’s locker room echoes with the empty rustles of equipment staffers, Jahdae Barron lingers.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Behind the set of double doors protecting the visiting locker room, the silence was so noticeable that conversations among players, owners and coaches could be nearly whispered — until Chris defensive star Chris Jones interrupted the tranquility.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
12 Sep. 2025
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To convey alterations in tone, volume and emotion, a variable typeface is deployed, showing louder voices in a larger font and whispers in smaller text as well as different display options for pitch, non-speech sounds and music.—
Gus Alexiou,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Burr.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burr. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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