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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of whir
Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2024
There was not a soul in sight—just sun-dappled forest, the whir of insects, and me alone with my footsteps and my thoughts.
—Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2024
Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 15 Aug. 2024
Pots are steaming, whisks are whirring and the air is thick with sugar.
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for whir 
Noun
In 2020 and 2021, millions around the world sought freedom and security from the constant whir of the central bank printing press by unbanking themselves.
—Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2024
There was not a soul in sight—just sun-dappled forest, the whir of insects, and me alone with my footsteps and my thoughts.
—Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2024
Verb
Work is ongoing — a frenzy of hard hats, fluorescent-jacketed workmen and whirring machinery.
—Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 15 Aug. 2024
Pots are steaming, whisks are whirring and the air is thick with sugar.
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for whir
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whir
Verb
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Or will Allen and Co. keep humming along and win their 10th game of the season?Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024
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Once those two return, Lillard’s gravity will make life exponentially easier for them, opening up even more opportunities for Milwaukee’s offense to hum.Brian Sampson, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Stocking Stuffers Under $30 Cat lovers will purr over these adorable bowls.Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Nov. 2024
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This little kitty purrs, walks, and even tumbles, giving my daughter all the fun of having another cat without the extra fur or midnight meows.Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 2 Nov. 2024
Noun
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With a fan balanced behind each ear, the device operates at the level of a whisper (30 decibels), and its battery can last for 17 hours, or the equivalent of two workdays.Olatunji Osho-Williams, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Dec. 2024
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Neutral and clean with just a whisper of grain and pepper to enliven the palate.Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
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With audiences off to see the Wizard, and Elphaba and Glinda, radio is capitalizing on the buzz of Wicked by playing two of the franchise’s signature songs.Gary Trust, Billboard, 18 Dec. 2024
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Jaime Foxx's return to the comedy circuit is generating plenty of buzz.Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near whir
Cite this Entry
“Whir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whir. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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