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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of reel
Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 2026
The Sharks trailed 2-1 after an entertaining first period that also featured two fights and a highlight-reel play from the Sharks’ top line.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026
The fate of 21 members of Iran’s women’s national soccer team remained uncertain Tuesday after five teammates were granted asylum in Australia, leaving the rest of the squad to decide whether to return to a country still reeling from war.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reel
Noun
There’s video evidence of it in the blooper reel.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 2026
The Sharks trailed 2-1 after an entertaining first period that also featured two fights and a highlight-reel play from the Sharks’ top line.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
Now, the reeling Longhorns can only hope the defeat isn’t the last game of the season for a team that finds itself back on the NCAA Tournament bubble.
—Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026
The fate of 21 members of Iran’s women’s national soccer team remained uncertain Tuesday after five teammates were granted asylum in Australia, leaving the rest of the squad to decide whether to return to a country still reeling from war.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reel
Noun
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The Hornets essentially had their full rotation available, missing Tosan Evbuomwan (G League), PJ Hall (G League), Liam McNeeley (G League), Antonio Reeves (G League) and Tidjane Salaun (left calf strain) on Tuesday.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
18 Mar. 2026
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Vasil was stretched out this spring while competing for a spot in the starting rotation.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The federal government has accused Bien-Amie of spinning a decades-long web of deceit involving multiple identities — and wives — to gain a green card and later American citizenship.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
14 Mar. 2026
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Stress on defensive play-callers who don’t want to spin a safety just to survive one receiver’s speed.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
David staggered away as the video cuts off.—
Julia Prodis Sulek,
Mercury News,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Lindsay staggered around, shackled by heroin.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Genre-blending in Latin music is nothing new, but timing and execution set them apart, along with an uncanny ability to turn internet absurdism into cool songs, all wrapped in sharp musicianship and rock ’n’ roll panache.—
Maria Nenet Barrios,
Pitchfork,
19 Mar. 2026
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When the singing was done Ma Binney brought me back to her tent and cut up a tomato, put it between two slices of bread, and served it to me on a china plate taken from a wooden chest next to her bed-roll.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Officers said one person swam ashore after his fishing boat capsized near Pedro's Point on Friday afternoon.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
14 Mar. 2026
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One person and a dog died Friday on Lake Pueblo after a fishing boat capsized, sending the sole survivor swimming for shore, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.—
Lauren Penington,
Denver Post,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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On the opening shift, Boldy got the puck at the far blue line, weaved though a few Rangers defenders and fired through a screen to beat the New York goalie just 35 seconds into the period.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
15 Mar. 2026
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The checkpoint ahead crawls forward as officers slide mirrors beneath cars and canines weave through the line, sniffing for explosives.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Broken wheels, handles, or zippers can all be fixed, making the luggage feel more like a long-term travel companion than a short-term purchase.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Over the course of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s term, CPS has lurched from budget crisis to budget crisis, able only to muddle through due to record-breaking mayoral declarations of tax-increment-financing surpluses.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
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There are plenty of differences, but the stability Atleti have fostered in sticking with Simeone stands in stark contrast to Spurs’ habit of lurching between managers, styles and approaches.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reel. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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