as in hum
a monotonous sound like that of an insect in motion
listened to the reassuring purr of the car engine
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to whisper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of purr
Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 14 July 2024
But also the reassuring purr of the fax machine, which at some point in the 1990s began to stutter out sheets of paper with algebraic formulae and solutions that more talented classmates had found for homework.
—Kansas City Star, 28 May 2024
Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024
Slot the tiny key into the vertical dash, turn it a click clockwise, then push the starter button, and the 280 ci small-block Ford V-8 just happily purrs to life.
—Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for purr 
Noun
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
But also the reassuring purr of the fax machine, which at some point in the 1990s began to stutter out sheets of paper with algebraic formulae and solutions that more talented classmates had found for homework.
—Kansas City Star, 28 May 2024
Verb
Preserving its rainforest is a priority, which keeps its economy purring along with global commerce.
—Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024
Slot the tiny key into the vertical dash, turn it a click clockwise, then push the starter button, and the 280 ci small-block Ford V-8 just happily purrs to life.
—Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for purr
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purr
Verb
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Because with her, an outfit always whispers elegance.Christian Allaire, Vogue, 15 Dec. 2024
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Revelations are found within interactions between characters who end up in small configurations — pairs or trios — to whisper about what’s really going on.Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
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That time of life, eh, murmured Linda, the grandmother of the trio of women.Lauren Groff, The New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2024
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Young supporters in replica shirts pressed their faces against the perimeter fencing, murmuring at every sweet touch of the ball or ripple of the net.Rafa Honigstein and Seb Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 14 Apr. 2024
Verb
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Upon his return to the stage, Stevie shouted out Berry Gordy — in honor of his 95th birthday and of course, their storied relationship — as well as Mayor Karen Bass for her efforts to combat the homelessness crisis plaguing Los Angeles.Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 16 Dec. 2024
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And shout out to @birdgangspirits spirits Philadelphia for throwing us some goodies to give away.Gil Macias, People.com, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The Packers’ cornerback picked it up and, on his way back inbounds, chirped at Kolar to hold onto the ball well after the play, too.Matt Schneidman, The Athletic, 22 Aug. 2024
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Throughout the Claridge’s lobby, a candy trolley overflowing with festive treats and mechanical birds chirping softly from the tree add elements of surprise and interaction.Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
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The crowd gasped as smoke from red and gold fireworks filled the air.Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024
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Spectators in the gallery cried and gasped, as Neely’s legs flailed about and then slowed down and stopped moving altogether before Penny released his hold on Neely’s neck and got up, fifty-one seconds later.Adam Iscoe, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Fike doesn’t mouth along to the songs, make distinct markers of when one ends and another begins, or even mention the titles of any of them.Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2024
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Also present was Dmitri Shostakovich, who had come to New York at Stalin’s behest, in order to mouth propaganda at the Cultural and Scientific Conference for World Peace.Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2024
Verb
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In an interview with TIME in May, the Rare Beauty founder, 31, spoke about her relationship with the music producer, 36, noting that if the two hadn't met, her future plans included adopting a baby a few years down the road.Marina Watts, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024
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Tisdale spoke with her hair colorist, who encouraged her to get in touch with a dermatologist who could provide more clarity about what was going on.Brian Mastroianni, Health, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
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People suffering from asthma or other respiratory illnesses can have trouble breathing during high-pollution days.Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 16 Dec. 2024
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Pelonis Warm Mist Humidifier To soften the air and breathe easy all winter, consider this warm mist humidifier from Pelonis.Miles Walls, People.com, 14 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near purr
Cite this Entry
“Purr.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purr. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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