reel 1 of 2

noun

Definition of reelnext
as in rotation
a rapid turning about on an axis or central point she slipped and, after an out-of-control reel, fell on her backside

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reel

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to spin
to be in a confused state as if from being twirled around his mind reeled upon hearing the news that his employer had been indicted for fraud

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stagger
to move forward while swaying from side to side got off the amusement park ride reeling and barely able to stand

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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 reel
Noun
Another highlight-reel catch for the Heisman Trophy favorite Jeremiah Smith delivered another highlight catch, this one resulting in a 38‑yard touchdown on a fourth-down play against Indiana. — Mark Long, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 Embiid, in particular, looked to already be in midseason form Friday night, finishing with 27 points, eight rebounds and a highlight-reel-worthy dunk. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Verb
The town was among the places hit hardest by the rioting and looting that erupted across France over the weekend, leaving the country reeling from its worst violence in years. — Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026 As officials await a conclusion to this case, the victim’s university community is left reeling. — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reel
  1. rotation
  2. spin
  3. stagger
  4. roll
  5. swim
  6. weave
  7. wheel
  8. lurch
Noun
  • There was a change to the Heat’s bench rotation, with forward Nikola Jovic dropped out of the mix.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Nakase tightened her rotation to seven players, bringing Kayla Thornton and Cecilia Zandalasini providing a spark off the bench.
    — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of rotation
Verb
  • Once the researchers accounted for this requirement, the window for a split narrowed considerably, potentially remaining open only for black holes spinning close to their maximum possible rate.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Christopher Bell, who entered just five points behind Larson, crashed after spinning while entering the pits under green for his first pit stop on Lap 56.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of spin
Verb
  • Spoelstra staggered Adebayo and Antetokounmpo’s minutes with these bench lineups.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
  • However, data from Agence France Tresor shows that the average maturity of French debt stands at roughly 8 years and 158 days, with debt redemptions relatively well staggered.
    — , CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of stagger
Noun
  • Noel personally drove him to the train station, gave him a fresh sausage roll, and sent him on his way.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Studies and audits of state voter rolls have repeatedly found that voting by noncitizens is rare and hasn’t swayed any elections.
    — Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of roll
Verb
  • After lingering in nearby waters for hours, the shark swam beneath an outer barrier net installed on the platform that night and reentered the waterway.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • This tiny wearable device could record thousands of individual neurons simultaneously as animals swim, play, explore, and interact naturally.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of swim
Verb
  • Eller took a long pass from Aaron Ekblad just inside the blue line, weaved down the right side and ripped a wrist shot from the circle past Chicago goaltender Spencer Knight.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The Chiefs had no answer for Smith-Njigba, who bobbed and weaved his way through the defense for nine catches, 150 yards and a touchdown.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of weave
Noun
  • It's got a set of pedals, as well as a twist-throttle on the right bar, controlling a 750-W nominal, 1,310-W peak, 85-Nm (63-lb-ft) electric motor between the rear wheels.
    — Loz Blain October 26, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The goal was to add social lubrication to the creaky wheels of diplomacy, but, according to several attendees, the conversation took a contentious turn.
    — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of wheel
Verb
  • The insurrection drew immediate and obvious parallels to the United States, which, during much of the past decade, has lurched alongside Brazil through a strange hall of mirrors.
    — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Hop on the #6 double-decker from Central to Stanley beach, which lurches around Hong Kong Island's mountainous southern South China Sea coast (sit upstairs on the right-hand side).
    — Lee Cobaj, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of lurch

Phrases Containing reel

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reeky
reel
reeled
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Cite this Entry

“Reel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reel. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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