WHIR Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

whir 1 of 2

noun

variants also whirr

Definition of whir

as in hum

a monotonous sound like that of an insect in motion a whir coming from the refrigerator

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

whir

2 of 2

verb

ˈ(h)wər

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of whir

Noun

The whirr of dozens of sewing machines working at once fills the stark, concrete room. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026 And the whir of the midterms wasn't far away. — ABC News, 9 June 2026

Verb

At night, breeze wafts through louvres, circulated by whirring ceiling fans. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026 The jumpers climbed into the belly of a maroon-and-white jumpship as its propellers began to whir and then roar. — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for whir

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whir

Noun

The ritual hum of leaf blowers fires up in the fall and marks the change in season as much as vibrant leaves falling from the trees.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026
Very occasionally, a scooter—piled high with passengers—hums past.

— Claire Turrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of hum

Verb

The awards buzz may prove tough to come by at this point, given that Digger was hit with a C+ CinemaScore from audiences, landing as one of the lowest grades for Cruise’s career, and has polarized critics.

— Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 4 Oct. 2026
One of the acts that made a big impression on the youngsters was the Allen Tolbert Unit, whose namesake would captivate them by buzzing up and down his guitar fretboard like a hummingbird in flight.

— Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of buzz

Noun

Highlights and experiences It is always a special event stepping out of Venice’s airport onto a pontoon and a polished mahogany water taxi that drops you off canalside near your hotel, after a purr through the Grand Canal.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026
Kimie Smothermon begins each day greeted by the squeals, chirps and purrs of nearly 400 guinea pigs.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of purr

Browse Nearby Words

whip (up)

whir

whirl

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Whir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whir. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of whir

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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