as in hums
a monotonous sound like that of an insect in motion
listened to the reassuring purr of the car engine
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Recent Examples of purrs
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purrs
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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Schumann Resonance Time Acceleration Schumann resonances are natural, low-frequency electromagnetic hums that form in the cavity between Earth’s surface and the ionosphere (50-600 miles above the surface).—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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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
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The 1815 whispers its elevated status instead of making your wrist scream for attention, and is all the better for it.—
Thor Svaboe,
Robb Report,
28 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Yurov laughs hysterically and chirps back at Kreider.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Joe shouts as the snarling lobos close in.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
5 Sep. 2025
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Kylie, 33, shouts in the background, trying to prevent an accident.—
Georgia Slater,
People.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The River Coln murmurs gently here—weaving through golden buttercups and forget-me-nots, while plump ducks paddle lazily beneath canopies of willow.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
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There have also been murmurs around Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins and Small Business Administration chief Kelly Loeffler — but nothing more.—
Al Weaver,
The Hill,
1 June 2025
Verb
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These are texts that hide their depth under a thick layer of flatulence jokes, loud guitars or Texas drawls.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
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And above all, treat visibility not as a one-time performance, but as a professional habit that breathes life into your career trajectory.—
Mark Murphy,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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Now the forest breathes with evil, and a vampire lord has risen.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) speaks at the opening of the IAA Mobility international motor show.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
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Davis said that the center has been around for 50 years speaks to its effectiveness in helping people achieve their goals.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Purrs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purrs. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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