as in purr
a monotonous sound like that of an insect in motion
we heard the hum of an outboard motor and a few minutes later the small craft came into sight
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of hum
David Faris, Newsweek, 28 Dec. 2024
The long-term goal is to turn the 30-acre campus into a humming technology and innovation hub for students, startups, the company’s electric vehicle program and old-fashioned brick-and-mortar ventures like anchor tenant Yellow Light, the station’s first indoor eatery since 1988.
—Patrick Sauer, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Dec. 2024
Amazon had a great year as corporate IT cloud spending came back and e-commerce was humming.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 24 Dec. 2024
The end-of-year flex of consumer strength marks the latest indication of resilient U.S. buying power, which has kept the economy humming despite a prolonged stretch of high interest rates.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hum 
Verb
UConn's offense has been humming, led by QB Zion Turner, who's been the key to their late-season success.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 28 Dec. 2024
The long-term goal is to turn the 30-acre campus into a humming technology and innovation hub for students, startups, the company’s electric vehicle program and old-fashioned brick-and-mortar ventures like anchor tenant Yellow Light, the station’s first indoor eatery since 1988.
—Patrick Sauer, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Dec. 2024
Amazon had a great year as corporate IT cloud spending came back and e-commerce was humming.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 24 Dec. 2024
The end-of-year flex of consumer strength marks the latest indication of resilient U.S. buying power, which has kept the economy humming despite a prolonged stretch of high interest rates.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hum
Noun
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Over a plate of fries, Alaska spoke in her signature bass purr about the meaning of family and the merits of drag.—
Lanna Apisukh,
New York Times,
31 Dec. 2024
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Stocking Stuffers Under $30 Cat lovers will purr over these adorable bowls.—
Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Nov. 2024
Verb
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What used to be a one-stop barbecue shop is now a city bursting with countless dining options and cuisines, from street tacos to one of the best bowls of pho in the country.—
Caitlin Morton,
AFAR Media,
27 Jan. 2025
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Fast radio burst traced to 'dead' galaxy The recent burst, called FRB 20240209A, throws that theory into question.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA TODAY,
27 Jan. 2025
Verb
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While Altadena, which has a large Latino population, was burning, social media started buzzing that Immigration and Customs Enforcement was nearby conducting a raid, Salas said.—
Anita Chabria,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Jan. 2025
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Only male cicadas sing or make that buzzing noise they’re known for.—
Saleen Martin,
USA TODAY,
14 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Recent whispers from Washington suggest that tariffs are unlikely to be broad.—
Ganesh Rao,
CNBC,
16 Jan. 2025
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Veteran journalist Kim Osorio appears in the doc and says that there were whispers that Porter was a victim of Combs’ abuse, and an attorney for a client who sued Combs says her client witnessed acts of violence against Porter.—
Steven J. Horowitz,
Variety,
13 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Over the last three games alone, the free-throw disparity has bulged to 42 attempts and 33 makes.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Jan. 2025
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Extensive records of the restoration, filling two bulging binders, are included in the auction lot, along with all those concours trophies, the original driver’s manuals, and an original Miura tool kit.—
Howard Walker,
Robb Report,
6 Jan. 2025
Noun
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And nature sounds, like birdsong and wind rustle, were added.—
Beatrice Verhoeven,
The Hollywood Reporter,
3 Sep. 2019
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The gentle rustle of pine trees swaying in the breeze, the soft curl of steam rising from hot natural springs, the golden glow of the sun slipping into Ago Bay all combine to create a meditative bliss.—
Scott Campbell,
theweek,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The three-minute black-and-white clip shows the couple kissing and cuddling in bed, kissing and cuddling on a countertop, zipping around via boat, and hanging out in a very enviable jacuzzi.—
Stacey Leasca,
Glamour,
21 Jan. 2025
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Then Hincapie saw red for tangling with Simeone’s son Giuliano (who, just like his dad in the old days), did some expert meddling, including getting in a scrape with Granit Xhaka and theatrically zipping his own lips shut when the referee had words).—
Tim Spiers,
The Athletic,
21 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The video above shows them all in action, with lights blaring, fans whirring, and liquid bubbling, but read on for more details.—
John Burek,
PCMAG,
14 Jan. 2025
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Coaching carousel The motor is already whirring underneath us, as the Patriots fired Jerod Mayo shortly after New England’s win over the backup Bills, which gave Tennessee the No. 1 pick.—
Chris Branch,
The Athletic,
6 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near hum
Cite this Entry
“Hum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hum. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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