variants
also whirr
as in hum
a monotonous sound like that of an insect in motion
a whir coming from the refrigerator
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also whirr
as in to hum
to fly, turn, or move rapidly with a fluttering or vibratory sound
the hummingbird whirred as it hovered over a flower our tires whirred as we traveled over the rough road
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of whir
James Horncastle, The Athletic, 2 July 2024
Because white requires more power for this monitor to display, too much of it also means the fan whirs to life.
—Simon Hill, WIRED, 28 Oct. 2022
Chris Branch, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
The machines buzzed and whirred as the cows were carried in a lazy arc to the parlor’s exit, where they were detached from milk hoses and sent on their way.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for whir 
Noun
Not even the thudding whir of rotor blades from a helicopter overhead quietened them.
—James Horncastle, The Athletic, 2 July 2024
Because white requires more power for this monitor to display, too much of it also means the fan whirs to life.
—Simon Hill, WIRED, 28 Oct. 2022
Verb
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
The machines buzzed and whirred as the cows were carried in a lazy arc to the parlor’s exit, where they were detached from milk hoses and sent on their way.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for whir
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whir
Verb
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Cue the foot-tapping, head-nodding and humming along.—
Lara Bockenstedt,
Twin Cities,
8 Feb. 2025
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On a brisk weekday in October 2023, three sewing machines hummed while experimental indie pop played quietly inside a warehouse near the airport in Missoula, Montana.—
Amelia Arvesen,
Outside Online,
28 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
Stocking Stuffers Under $30 Cat lovers will purr over these adorable bowls.—
Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Nas’ rising crescendo of hope versus Kendrick’s whispers erupts into roars of cultural resentment as shown through the skits performed last night.—
Essence,
Essence,
10 Feb. 2025
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When powerful people enter the story, the whisper turns into heart-wrenching screams.—
Lynne Silva-Breen,
Twin Cities,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The film was met with huge buzz after its debut at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, sparking a bidding war that led to it being acquired by Searchlight Pictures for a reported mid-seven figures.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
6 Feb. 2025
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Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors The Super Bowl has seen plenty of A-list faces in the stands over the years, but few have generated as much buzz as Taylor Swift.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
5 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near whir
Cite this Entry
“Whir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whir. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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