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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Powerful cutters have whirred to life on a giant drill that will begin boring a new train tunnel under the Hudson River connecting Manhattan to New Jersey. — ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026 The studio whirred to what has been described as Aison’s fresh and distinct take on the police helicopter angle, which really hasn’t been explored since 1983’s thriller Blue Thunder. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for whir

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whir

Noun

The city itself felt largely quiet with the hum of so many electric vehicles.

— Stephy Chung, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
There’s a steady hum of excitement in New York City, where the Knicks clinched the NBA championship this past summer.

— Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of hum

Verb

On this cloudy Saturday morning in September, Cape Town's College of Magic is buzzing with energy as dozens of students are competing in the annual junior magic contest.

— Julie Bourdin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
Fielder and Oppenheim’s word-of-mouth sensation has taken pop culture by storm, earning millions at the box office, winning near-universal critical praise and generating a ton of press coverage, as well as Oscar buzz.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 23 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of whir

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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