Synonyms of hum

hum 1 of 2

noun

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

• purr
• buzz
• whisper
• rustle
• whirr
• drone
• whir
• thrum
• sigh
• murmur
• zoom
• chirr
• burr
• moan
• whizz
• whiz
• gasp
• churr
• gurgle
• hiss
• babble
• coo
• susurration
• susurrus
• zip
• zing
• suspiration
• whish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• roar
• scream
• shriek
• yell
• screech
• squeal
• howl
• squall
• yelp
• bawl

hum

2 of 2

verb

ˈhəm 

1

as in to burst

to be copiously supplied

one restaurant was humming with diners, while a neighboring eatery was practically empty

Synonyms & Similar Words

• burst
• buzz
• bulge
• teem
• swarm
• abound
• crawl
• brim
• bustle
• overflow
• bristle
• pullulate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• need
• want
• lack

2

as in to buzz

to fly, turn, or move rapidly with a fluttering or vibratory sound

a helicopter hummed overhead

Synonyms & Similar Words

• buzz
• whirr
• zip
• whir
• whisper
• whizz
• burr
• drone
• whistle
• hiss
• whiz
• purr
• zoom
• thrum
• bumble
• sigh
• murmur
• whish
• chirr
• coo
• rustle
• churr
• fizz
• whoosh
• swish
• wheeze
• sizzle
• curr

Examples of hum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The reigning Heisman winner also has this offense humming at a record clip. —Vincent Frank, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024

These politicians instead will continue in dissonance, encouraging their supporters to hum louder than the other choir. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 2 Oct. 2024

Wisconsin's economy continues to hum at a positive pace, but six companies laid off 242 workers in September, according to state records. —Ricardo Torres, Journal Sentinel, 30 Sep. 2024

There are those who claim that the Fed should maintain the funds rate at current levels since the economy is humming at a 2% growth rate and there are few signs of recession. —Jeremy Siegel, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2024