as in hum
a monotonous sound like that of an insect in motion
heard the burr of a distant engine
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to hum
to fly, turn, or move rapidly with a fluttering or vibratory sound
the pitch burred past the batter's ear
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of burr
Bestreviews, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2025
Someone used a chainsaw to illegally cut down five burr and basswood trees along the walking and bike paths at Cedar Lake, causing thousands of dollars in damage, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board says.
—Axios Twin Cities, Axios, 5 Mar. 2025
The heavy-duty burr grinders are designed to withstand a home next to a hot stove for years.
—Andrew Watman, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Its high-end features are hard to beat, like its customizable conical burr grinder and intelligent dosing system to automatically calculate the amount of ground coffee based on your last grind and tamp.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for burr
Noun
Blade grinders are far less consistent, breaking beans unevenly rather than accurately shaving them into an even ground size and shape like a burr grinder.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2025
Someone used a chainsaw to illegally cut down five burr and basswood trees along the walking and bike paths at Cedar Lake, causing thousands of dollars in damage, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board says.
—Axios Twin Cities, Axios, 5 Mar. 2025
The heavy-duty burr grinders are designed to withstand a home next to a hot stove for years.
—Andrew Watman, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Its high-end features are hard to beat, like its customizable conical burr grinder and intelligent dosing system to automatically calculate the amount of ground coffee based on your last grind and tamp.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for burr
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burr
Verb
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Listen: That song your kids are humming (or belting out)?—
Burkhard Bilger,
New Yorker,
29 July 2025
-
The place where my embarrassment typically sat in my body was replaced with a quiet humming feeling, a relief, a full-body homecoming.—
Natalie Guerrero
July 28,
Literary Hub,
28 July 2025
Noun
-
Liam sounds ferociously on-form, his nasal snarl infused with a malevolent purr.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
5 July 2025
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Similarly, another woman, navigating the recent passing of her own cat, found solace in the gentle purrs of potential new companions, encouraged by friends to embrace the healing presence a new feline could offer.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Verb
-
Add Hollywood buzz to the mix, and this 1973 bike is a keeper.—
Kristin Shaw,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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Social media platforms, particularly X, buzzed with posts expressing grief, anger, and speculation.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
When that harmony hits, the sale becomes a symphony: the crack of the register, the rustle of the bag, the quiet thrill of being chosen.—
Joel Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
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There was no answer, just a footstep behind him and the rustle of a dress.—
Mara Bovsun,
New York Daily News,
31 May 2025
Verb
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Pickford dived to his right to try to keep out a Mason Mount shot and the ball struck one post before zipping across goal, hitting the other upright and pinballing out to the waiting Chelsea captain.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
23 July 2025
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On a physical level, household tasks can lead to stronger fine-motor skills, which are essential for, say, zipping a jacket and handwriting, and which teachers report have been declining over the past several years.—
Christine Carrig,
The Atlantic,
21 July 2025
Verb
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It will be whispered but never spoken aloud lest too many clients will be alienated.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
13 July 2025
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Surfers began whispering about the good surf brought on by the area’s sometimes harsh weather in recent years.—
Liz Provencher,
Travel + Leisure,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Burr.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burr. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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