as in hum
a monotonous sound like that of an insect in motion
listened to the reassuring purr of the car engine
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to whisper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of purr
Stephen Busemeyer, Hartford Courant, 30 July 2024
After his surgery, Jinxy was able to open his eyes and purr at his owner without pain, Myrna said.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 14 July 2024
Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024
This is Samuel, played with purring carnality by Harris Dickinson.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 25 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for purr 
Noun
The King of Tone has a few knobs and two buttons — one to boost the volume level and one to engage the overdrive circuit, creating a tone that can range from a subtle purr to an angry lion, but firmly on this side of heavy metal.
—Stephen Busemeyer, Hartford Courant, 30 July 2024
After his surgery, Jinxy was able to open his eyes and purr at his owner without pain, Myrna said.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 14 July 2024
Verb
Cats show their love by slowly blinking, purring and kneading.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024
This is Samuel, played with purring carnality by Harris Dickinson.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 25 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for purr
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purr
Verb
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Take the hooded bergère chairs for example, which are also known as ‘whispering chairs’ and are intended to encourage intimate conversation.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
9 Feb. 2025
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Heather then proceeded to whisper the potential name to Christina, who emphatically agreed.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
1 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Divergent aspects of Cage’s language—hypnotically simple harmony in the first, percussive murmuring in the other—complemented the film’s rapt aura.—
Alex Ross,
The New Yorker,
27 Jan. 2025
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Wrapping a pair of leaves around my wrist, Garcia pressed her thumb into my pulse point and murmured a blessing.—
Gina DeCaprio Vercesi,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Watch Goldberg shout for Haines to come down from The View tower in the video above.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
8 Feb. 2025
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As Robinson spoke, or tried to speak, Butler shouted from across the locker room to Robinson that Robinson didn’t have to talk, wasn’t required to do the interview.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The little truck can launch off the line after chirping all four tires, but also cruises comfortably thanks to smooth transmission shift points that keep the engine at a low, loping idle.—
Michael Teo Van Runkle,
Forbes,
14 Dec. 2024
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Photo : Gateway Bronco Even full-time all-wheel drive can’t prevent the power plant from chirping all four tires while hustling through the first couple of gears.—
Michael Van Runkle,
Robb Report,
2 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Followers of the Ferrari market have likely gasped at the premiums paid for six-speed versions of 21st-century models typically equipped with the F1 transmission, such as the 575M Maranello or 599 GTB.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
14 Feb. 2025
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Is your computer gasping for breath, drowning in a sea of photos, documents and random downloads?—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
4 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Ford decided to mouth his last name at the end, a decision that caused observers to break out in laughter.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
10 Feb. 2025
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Residents should limit their time outside and dress warmly, making sure to cover their head, face and mouth with a knit hat or scarf, protect their hands with mittens or gloves, wear several layers of loose-fitting clothes and put on water-resistant shoes or boots.—
Adriana Pérez,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Some residents had previously spoken at a December hearing on the project when the Council voted to postpone a decision to better understand the project.—
Alexandra Hardle,
The Arizona Republic,
16 Feb. 2025
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Francis again criticizes President Donald Trump's immigration policies in open letter Video of the pope's meeting with Fico showed Francis sitting at a desk in his Vatican residence, smiling, and speaking in a soft tone.—
Joshua McElwee,
USA TODAY,
15 Feb. 2025
Verb
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When used, the inmate breathes pure nitrogen gas through a mask that displaces the oxygen in their system, depriving them of air.—
Greta Cross,
USA TODAY,
7 Feb. 2025
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The largely 20- and 30-something audience was quite lovely and respectful toward the band and toward other audience members, giving folks room to breathe and enjoy themselves despite the packed main floor.—
Britt Julious,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near purr
Cite this Entry
“Purr.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purr. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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