reel 1 of 2

as in rotation
a rapid turning about on an axis or central point she slipped and, after an out-of-control reel, fell on her backside

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reel

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to spin
to be in a confused state as if from being twirled around his mind reeled upon hearing the news that his employer had been indicted for fraud

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2

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of reel
Noun
These communities exploded during the pandemic, as people stuck at home turned to reels of the animals munching on bamboo. Mara Hvistendahl, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025 Another shared how their 17-month-old son is allergic to peanuts and Flack's reel has encouraged them to test allergen foods on their toddler. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
Editors’ Picks Shares of the Silicon Valley chip company Nvidia, which was already reeling from a sell-off last week linked to developments in the Chinese artificial intelligence company DeepSeek, tumbled 2.8 percent. Joe Rennison, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2025 The 67th Annual Grammy Awards was a night filled with history-making victories, powerful performances, and heartfelt tributes, all set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, a city still reeling from recent devastating wildfires. Okla Jones, Essence, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for reel 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reel
Noun
  • Hefner is quickly building a reputation as a coach who can help transform scuffling back-end starters into frontline rotation options, and the Mets are hoping Montas can benefit from his coaching.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Cleveland was already really good and added a legitimate rotation player on the wing who can make open shots, defend and close games if needed.
    J. Robbins, J. Edwards and D. Mayberry, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Weaving a fascination for lace A delicate jewel among textiles, lace is an elegant and deceptively simple creation whose appeal has been spun for centuries.
    David Morgan, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The atmosphere was electric, set to the rhythm of classic R&B hits spun by Abby the DJ, creating an inviting, soulful energy that filled the space.
    Lyric Christian, Essence, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • This election will also see the village comply with changes to its electoral code by instituting term limits, staggered terms for trustees, non-partisan elections and a change in structure of how trustees are elected, including some elected from districts and some elected at large.
    Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025
  • Six years later, they are thrown together at a 500-year-old estate in Wales, and what follows is epic in scale and staggering in its beauty.
    Lizz Schumer, People.com, 2 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Love the fact he is called Larry, his cinnamon roll paws (and how cute he is marked) and the nom nom nom.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
  • From there, two victory rolls were piled atop the head—and it was all sealed in place with Cult Classic Flexible Hairspray.
    Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • There, guests can swim amid psychedelic colored wrasses and butterflyfish, and backstroke with barracudas and reef sharks.
    Jordan Riefe, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Swim in Cold Water Some research indicates that swimming in cold water can improve menopause symptoms, including hot flashes.
    Sarah Jividen, Health, 15 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • All grifters are storytellers, weaving fictions more seductive than reality.
    Judy Berman, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025
  • For a more subtle look, weave the lights around strands of greenery to create a stunning, and simple, centerpiece.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Locking the front and rear differentials gives you a proper 4X4 machine, with maximum grip afforded by turning all four wheels at the same speed.
    Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The example up for sale, which is one of just 599 that will be built, is finished in a one-of-a-kind coat of BP Green and rides on a set of gold wheels.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • After striking the barriers, the truck backed up, then lurched forward, striking the metal barriers a second time.
    Alexandra Koch, Fox News, 26 Jan. 2025
  • The dollar continued its long-running rise, as the expectation of higher interest rates in the United States maintained its allure for investors around the world, even as yields in other bond markets lurched higher.
    Joe Rennison, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near reel

Cite this Entry

“Reel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reel. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

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