variants
also whirrs
as in hums
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
variants
also whirrs
as in buzzes
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
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Recent Examples of whirs
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
As the documentary opens, insect whirs and faint helicopter chuf-chufs mix with a choral hymn.
—Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
Her vocals drift on the fluttery synth that swells as the bass whirs.
—Pitchfork, 10 Dec. 2025
A lot of this stuff follows the same thread, often steeped in vintage synth drones, whirrs, and buzzes that evoke the turn-of-the-Eighties sci-fi futurism the first TRON movie embodied back in 1982.
—Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
Vonn posted a video on Friday night, in a hospital gown with monitors on her chest and the beeps and whirs from her room serving as a sort of mundane soundtrack.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
As the documentary opens, insect whirs and faint helicopter chuf-chufs mix with a choral hymn.
—Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
Her vocals drift on the fluttery synth that swells as the bass whirs.
—Pitchfork, 10 Dec. 2025
A lot of this stuff follows the same thread, often steeped in vintage synth drones, whirrs, and buzzes that evoke the turn-of-the-Eighties sci-fi futurism the first TRON movie embodied back in 1982.
—Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 19 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whirs
Noun
-
The score hums and pulses with modern unease, making the film feel like a fever dream that happens to borrow Brontë’s names.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
11 Feb. 2026
-
One hums with high-speed drills and anxiety; the other echoes with joyful barks and tail wags.—
Henry I. Miller,
STAT,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
This hotel buzzes with young style- and budget-conscious travelers.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Jan. 2026
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Getty Images Of the nine players in the Rays’ batting order Opening Day 2025 against the visiting Rockies, only four remain with the club less than one month before Charlotte Sports Park buzzes with activity that signals the start of spring training.—
Tom Layberger,
Forbes.com,
17 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Washington delivers the dialogue with a thrilling range from purrs to roars, all imbued with an authoritative swagger.—
Brady Brickner-Wood,
New Yorker,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Take their purrs, for example, which are known to vibrate at frequencies that can reduce stress and soothe anxiety.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
28 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
As of now, the areas with the greatest threat to see any significant accumulation would be the farthest southeastern parts of our region before the storm zips off to the east.—
Bill Kelly,
CBS News,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whirs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirs. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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