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
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of purr
Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
In the ’80s, de-graffiti-fying and air conditioning the subways proclaimed to the world that New York was purring again.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 18 Apr. 2025
Maryanne Dell, Oc Register, 12 May 2025
The three of them shared head bonks, muzzle rubs, purrs, and cuddling!!
—Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for purr
Noun
Viewers online were able to see the cat resting on top of a warm bed, purring gently and looking toward his rescuer.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
In the ’80s, de-graffiti-fying and air conditioning the subways proclaimed to the world that New York was purring again.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
Her soft purrs and loving eyes will remind you every day that you are adored.
—Maryanne Dell, Oc Register, 12 May 2025
The three of them shared head bonks, muzzle rubs, purrs, and cuddling!!
—Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for purr
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purr
Verb
-
It will be whispered but never spoken aloud lest too many clients will be alienated.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
13 July 2025
-
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
Verb
-
The songs are not so much compositions as elliptical confessions, murmured rather than declared.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
5 July 2025
-
Mason's family murmured their disdain from the back of the courtroom while Broadwell addressed her.—
Jade Jackson,
IndyStar,
2 July 2025
Verb
-
Because real branding isn’t about turning heads at the Met Gala or chasing clicks or shouting the loudest in the room.—
Jeetendr Sehdev,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
The chief example of rudeness here is shouting admonishments at other opera patrons.—
Judith Martin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 June 2025
Verb
-
Birds chirped and traffic appeared normal — apart from the bustle at the local fire department in the center of town — as responders continued to manage the remains of the fireworks facility that exploded barely a mile away, just a few days before.—
Jake Goodrick
July 4,
Sacbee.com,
4 July 2025
-
Fever, Sun and some spicy beef Caitlin Clark, darling of the WNBA, is not afraid of chirping back.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
Verb
-
Breathing difficulties: The shock of sudden cold-water exposure can cause bouts of wheezing, gasping, and rapid breathing (hyperventilating).—
Mark Gurarie,
Verywell Health,
9 July 2025
-
Symptoms include snoring, gasping during sleep, waking up tired and difficulty falling or staying asleep Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) This condition is caused by the inflammatory proteins that are present in both psoriasis and metabolic syndrome, Dupati says.—
Elizabeth Yuko,
Flow Space,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
The Bulldogs players began to tap their friends and mouth the quarterback’s name.—
Adam Grosbard,
Orange County Register,
5 Mar. 2025
-
Ford decided to mouth his last name at the end, a decision that caused observers to break out in laughter.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
10 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Their stories—rooted in resilience, strategy, faith, and fire—speak directly to Black women and girls watching, learning, and preparing to take their place in the lineage of excellence.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
10 July 2025
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Festival highlights include the Friday opening night celebration, featuring a powerful lineup of live performances, spoken word and cultural showcases that reflect the global Black experience.—
Duante Beddingfield,
Freep.com,
9 July 2025
Verb
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Visitors become part of the piece, surrounded by a living, breathing sculpture of movement, light and sound.—
Asli Pelit,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
-
The agency warns that breathing high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) can irritate the respiratory system and worsen conditions like asthma, causing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Purr.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purr. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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