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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hum
Cliff Lewis, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2025
The torpedo bat took the league by storm in only 24 hours, and days later, the calls and orders, and test drives — from big leaguers to rec leaguers — are humming inside the company’s base, in a northwest suburb of Philadelphia.
—Dan Gelston, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
Their voices hum together and, in those moments, Mazzoli’s music is both beautiful and disturbing.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
The Rust Belt might hum again, the Sun Belt could shine brighter, and workers might cash in—if the plans hold.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hum
Verb
The streets hum with just the right amount of energy—not too crowded, not too still.
—Cliff Lewis, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2025
The torpedo bat took the league by storm in only 24 hours, and days later, the calls and orders, and test drives — from big leaguers to rec leaguers — are humming inside the company’s base, in a northwest suburb of Philadelphia.
—Dan Gelston, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
Their voices hum together and, in those moments, Mazzoli’s music is both beautiful and disturbing.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
The Rust Belt might hum again, the Sun Belt could shine brighter, and workers might cash in—if the plans hold.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hum
Noun
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The frequency of a cat's purr, usually between 25 to 150 hertz, has therapeutic effects on a person's body and mind, according to an article from Inspira Health Network.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2025
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The duo quickly became inseparable, with footage capturing their adorable cuddles and Marble's soothing purrs as William clings to Marble's soft fur.—
Ronnie Li,
USA TODAY,
17 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Since bursting onto the scene as a freshman, Janiah has carried a heavy load for Seminole Ridge, showcasing not only her scoring ability but also her all-around impact on the game.—
Gary Curreri,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Mar. 2025
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Today’s styles run the gamut from nostalgic hearts and classic knots to bursting stars and beachy swirls.—
Abby Morgan Lebet,
Glamour,
27 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Madison Square Garden buzzed with anticipation, hearts warmed by nostalgia.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2025
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There was a long pause before anyone answered, and a longer pause before I was buzzed in.—
Elif Batuman,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Some people are forthright when Boulet asks, with a cameraman in tow, a question that is often not spoken, or at most in a locker-room whisper.—
The New York Times,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
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In truth, whispers have been circulating for months that a The Row homewares line might be in the works.—
Liam Hess,
Vogue,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Symptoms include swelling of the eyelid and skin around the eye, bulging eyes, discoloration or redness, painful or difficult eye movement, and vision troubles.—
Vanessa Etienne,
People.com,
24 Feb. 2025
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Samsung has shown off a stretchable display that’s capable of physically bulging out of a flat surface.—
Barry Collins,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Any time a leaf rustles in the outfield, the AI picks it up.—
John Werner,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
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There are footsteps and rustles — is that a door closing?—
Amelia Nierenberg,
New York Times,
25 Feb. 2025
Verb
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My 15-minute ride from the airport zipped past fields of bamboo stalks to Rosewood Miyakojima, flanked by an ocean of distinct blues.—
Kristin Braswell,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Apr. 2025
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Now zipping Zipline already has a small test presence in Arkansas, a pilot program with Walmart, but its rollout today is a big step forward.—
Tim Stevens,
ArsTechnica,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Everything, even the Xbox whirring underneath your TV, has embraced the Netflix model.—
Luke Winkie,
Vulture,
1 Apr. 2025
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In the course of their whirring biochemical activity, cells not only produce energy but also synthesize metabolites: molecular biological building blocks, such as amino acids, nucleotides, carbohydrates and lipids.—
Viviane Callier,
Quanta Magazine,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hum. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
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