PURR Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

purr 1 of 2

noun

ˈpər

Definition of purr

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

purr

2 of 2

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of purr

Noun

Cats also purr when they’re injured or stressed, not just content. — Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 29 May 2026 Her hair is a Veronica Lake-blond cascade, her voice a silky Southern purr. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 14 May 2026

Verb

While the video plays and the cat closes in on Bender ever-so-slowly, hen turkeys in the nearby pasture can be heard yelping and purring. — Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 23 Apr. 2026 Their first conversation is comically lopsided, and McKellen, purring his way through what is effectively a monologue, lays the groundwork for his most vividly inhabited and hilariously irascible performance in years. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for purr

Recent Examples of Synonyms for purr

Noun

By fields of cotton and soybeans where his bees forage and pollinate, Foster Hensel pries open the lid of one of his beehives, setting off a rising hum from inside.

— Drew Hawkins, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026
Inside one of American Royal’s vast new barns, the smell of fresh paint still lingers as the hum of whirring drills and construction equipment fills the space just over 15 days until its first event on the new campus.

— Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of hum

Verb

Among designers idled by fashion’s revolving door, Dario Vitale is perhaps the most whispered about, following his ouster from Versace after a single, acclaimed season, and Prada Group’s acquisition of the house.

— Miles Socha, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026
The defendant and his attorney, Michael Sanft, wrap arms around one another, whispering a few final thoughts before the moment of judgment.

— Jeff Weiss, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of whisper

Verb

That pertness should be unbearable, but the scene is written in a minor key and performed by both actors to match, favouring eye contact and murmurs; the sheer brevity prevents it from becoming gloopy or crass.

— Caspar Salmon, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
Some people experience a faster heart rate and, in severe cases, can develop a heart murmur.

— Teresa Maalouf, Verywell Health, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of murmur

Verb

This is good news for us end and footnotes fans (shout out to David Foster Wallace, Nicholson Baker, and the Folger editions of Shakespeare).

— James Folta, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
In one shot, a beardless Jason is in the center of a teammate huddle, seemingly shouting at the top of his lungs.

— Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of shout

Verb

According to several people seated near Kanter Freedom, Alter said the former NBA player began chirping at Cloud throughout the quarter.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Palm trees abound; a perpetual breeze and a soundtrack of chirping birds complement the luscious grounds.

— Baz Dreisinger, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of chirp

Verb

The power outages caused by storms that roared through the region nearly two weeks ago have one resident of this Rust Belt city literally gasping for air.

— Selina Guevara, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2026
Loud, frequent snoring paired with gasping, choking or pauses in breathing may point to obstructive sleep apnea.

— Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of gasp

Verb

Officers spoke with Cisneros for about four minutes, repeatedly ordering her to drop the knives, according to Tisch.

— Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
Bawahab, as well as community leaders and former employees, addressed the crowd with Bawahab speaking about Insight’s potential role in reopening West Suburban.

— Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of speak

Browse Nearby Words

purposively

purr

purred

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Style

“Purr.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purr. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of purr

noun

verb

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