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
Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 9 Mar. 2026
The whir of science meets the wonder of nature and this charming, gorgeously shot ode to discovery (both on Earth and out there) makes one hope the motion picture academy sees fit to recognize more imaginative nonfiction works going forward.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026
This vast bundle of life and existence whirrs continually, creating the comforting harmonic tone that defines this place.
—Stephen Trimble, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for whir
Noun
The record’s propulsive synths mimic the whirr of wheels on the road, mechanized background noise for a life and a mind that won’t be still.
—Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 9 Mar. 2026
The whir of science meets the wonder of nature and this charming, gorgeously shot ode to discovery (both on Earth and out there) makes one hope the motion picture academy sees fit to recognize more imaginative nonfiction works going forward.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
Culinary team member Nancy Eisman suggested whirring them into pesto.
—Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026
This vast bundle of life and existence whirrs continually, creating the comforting harmonic tone that defines this place.
—Stephen Trimble, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for whir
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whir
Noun
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Cooked in a wood-burning oven, the chicken hums with a gentle smokiness and a complex, fruity chile flavor that’s warm, rounded and highly addictive.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
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While some prefer the lo-fi hum of a record player, others like the crisp sound of a compact disc.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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At the time of his murder, Mizell was in a lounge on the studio’s second floor with another man when two men were buzzed in.—
Andrew Flanagan,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2026
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TopicsVogue Parties The Met Gala buzz starts now.—
Aaron Royce,
Vogue,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The production wears its metaphors lightly with a wink and a purr.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2026
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On most days, the surf is loud enough to mask the steady purr of cars.—
Jeffrey Marlow,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whir. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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