as in hum
a monotonous sound like that of an insect in motion
listened to the reassuring purr of the car engine
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to whisper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of purr
Stephen Busemeyer, Hartford Courant, 30 July 2024
After his surgery, Jinxy was able to open his eyes and purr at his owner without pain, Myrna said.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 14 July 2024
Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024
This is Samuel, played with purring carnality by Harris Dickinson.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 25 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for purr 
Noun
The King of Tone has a few knobs and two buttons — one to boost the volume level and one to engage the overdrive circuit, creating a tone that can range from a subtle purr to an angry lion, but firmly on this side of heavy metal.
—Stephen Busemeyer, Hartford Courant, 30 July 2024
After his surgery, Jinxy was able to open his eyes and purr at his owner without pain, Myrna said.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 14 July 2024
Verb
Cats show their love by slowly blinking, purring and kneading.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024
This is Samuel, played with purring carnality by Harris Dickinson.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 25 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for purr
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purr
Verb
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The Trump and Vance families whispered and shook their heads.—
German Lopez,
New York Times,
22 Jan. 2025
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Dive into Miami’s vibrant diversity and see the destination in a new light where creativity knows no bounds and history whispers from every corner.—
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau,
Miami Herald,
21 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Divergent aspects of Cage’s language—hypnotically simple harmony in the first, percussive murmuring in the other—complemented the film’s rapt aura.—
Alex Ross,
The New Yorker,
27 Jan. 2025
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Wrapping a pair of leaves around my wrist, Garcia pressed her thumb into my pulse point and murmured a blessing.—
Gina DeCaprio Vercesi,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Jason shouted, fired up, as the younger Kelce cackled.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
29 Jan. 2025
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Police received multiple reports related to juveniles consuming alcohol, noise, obscenities being shouted, and more, according to Florida Today, part of USA TODAY Network.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA TODAY,
28 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Edwards recalled how a few Cavaliers players were chirping at Dillingham, which prompted the guard to go right back at them with buckets in the fourth quarter.—
Jon Krawczynski,
The Athletic,
23 Jan. 2025
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Scientists have detected a strange space phenomenon where bursts of electromagnetic waves sound like birds chirping when converted into audio signals, according to a study.—
Shannon McDonagh,
Newsweek,
22 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Sudden immersion in such frigid water, known as cold shock, can trigger immediate physiological responses such as uncontrolled gasping, rapid breathing or hyperventilation, according to the National Weather Service.—
Rebekah Riess,
CNN,
30 Jan. 2025
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The owner gasped at what just unfolded in front of her.—
Jonathan Granoff,
Newsweek,
29 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Residents should limit their time outside and dress warmly, making sure to cover their head, face and mouth with a knit hat or scarf, protect their hands with mittens or gloves, wear several layers of loose-fitting clothes and put on water-resistant shoes or boots.—
Adriana Pérez,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Jan. 2025
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One daughter then raises her hand near her mouth and appears to mouth something to the vice president.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
4 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Trump will reportedly speak with President Xi Jinping this week, signaling the intent to avoid a broader tariff war between the world’s top two economies.—
Amala Balakrishner,
CNBC,
4 Feb. 2025
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But Jordan, who simultaneously signs and speaks his interview for the film, was not born deaf, and some saw him as an outsider, introducing further conflict into the documentary’s retelling of events.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
3 Feb. 2025
Verb
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But the virus can also be spread through breathing in contaminated repository droplets.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
24 Jan. 2025
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Through his poised and assured play, Daniels has breathed life into a stale Commanders organization, which has booked its first spot in the NFC Championship game since the 1991-92 season.—
Ben Morse,
CNN,
24 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near purr
Cite this Entry
“Purr.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purr. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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