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
Relevance
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
Paul Yoon, The New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2024
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
Janet Wilson, USA TODAY, 31 July 2024
Elsewhere in the city, Israeli drones whir audibly overhead.
—Sam Heller, TIME, 5 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for whir 
Noun
The faint whir of a vacuum comes from somewhere nearby.
—Paul Yoon, The New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2024
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
Verb
With record-setting summer heat waves, most Americans are also facing their highest electric bills ever, as air conditioners are working overtime and electric meters are whirring faster.
—Janet Wilson, USA TODAY, 31 July 2024
Elsewhere in the city, Israeli drones whir audibly overhead.
—Sam Heller, TIME, 5 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for whir
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whir
Verb
-
The path to healing often reveals itself not through knowing, but through doing what feels intuitively right in the moment—whether that's reaching out to a neighbor, humming a familiar tune, or simply stepping into the sunshine.—
Barbara A. Perry,
Newsweek,
28 Jan. 2025
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That adaptability, and the fact Allen didn’t need to be superhuman for the Bills offense to hum, is why the spread against the Chiefs is so narrow.—
J.J. Bailey,
The Athletic,
21 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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The whispers rise, a hum, a din— China’s AI, set to win.—
Emily Forlini,
PCMAG,
28 Jan. 2025
-
More powerful and vivid than captured on record, her singing moved from faint, vulnerable whispers to urgent, shrill-free belting that often carried without the aid of effects.—
Bob Gendron,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The buzz has carried on even as the Giants have combined to go 9-25 the last two years.—
Charlotte Carroll,
The Athletic,
29 Jan. 2025
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In one corner is Roan, who rode massive internet buzz, an opening slot on Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts World Tour and a collection of solid retro-dance-pop tunes to worldwide fame.—
Jim Harrington,
The Mercury News,
28 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near whir
Cite this Entry
“Whir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whir. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
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