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

But a growing body of research suggests some of the most therapeutic sounds on earth are already in your home — your cat’s purr, rain on the window, birdsong outside. — Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026 Cats also purr when they’re injured or stressed, not just content. — Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 29 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

Jane Marsching, swathed in a deep-blue apron printed with white leaves, hums beneath a linden tree.

— Kendra Nordin Beato, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Oct. 2026
The spa Floating above the turquoise waters, the spa is made up of a reception and five different treatment huts—each one soundtracked by the hum of the ocean.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of hum

Verb

Though, it perhaps must be said that Johnson’s glazed-over, murmuring style of line delivery does grow grating.

— Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026
Moments later, murmurs, then cheers, rippled out from where Pasitney, Gaudry, and Espersen stood.

— J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of murmur

Verb

Lil’ Randy shouts repeatedly as he is hauled off, a great ending to a pretty great episode.

— Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
The drunk-and-disorderly charge is linked to a December incident, in which Minton is accused of shouting and cursing at patrons of a tattoo studio in Hickory, court records show.

— Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of shout

Verb

An occasional bird would chirp in the distance, but the forest emanated an eerie stillness, said Young, a research ecologist at the University of California, Davis.

— Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
With relatives of Julian Lewis chirping at coach Deion Sanders on social media, the Buffs are prepared to give quarterback Isaac Wilson his first start.

— Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of chirp

Verb

Advertisement Tell your doctor about the pauses, gasping, and any daytime sleepiness.

— Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Abrams does yeoman’s work with a character stuck in a tight spot for most of the running time, constantly grunting and gasping with a mixture of anguish and exhaustion as his body gets progressively more beat up and broken.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of gasp

Verb

But Netanyahu’s government wanted the existing framework kept intact, according to multiple sources who spoke to TIME, including an Israeli official and an international diplomat.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
The official spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the investigation.

— HAVEN DALEY, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of speak

Browse Nearby Words

purposively

purr

purred

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Purr.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purr. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of purr

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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