reeled

verb

past tense of reel
1
as in spun
to be in a confused state as if from being twirled around his mind reeled upon hearing the news that his employer had been indicted for fraud

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in staggered
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

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 reeled As the family reeled from the loss, Doug made his daughter his top priority. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026 In 1995-96, Newcastle tore into the lead at the top of the division and although Manchester United reeled them in, relentless and unforgiving, the drama was human. — George Caulkin, New York Times, 21 July 2026 Once the squid gather near the surface, lines fitted with bait are lowered into the water and rapidly jerked up and down to imitate small prey such as shrimp, triggering strikes before the catch is reeled aboard. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 20 June 2026 Derulo reeled backward after his foot gave way on the step below, sending him tumbling to the ground. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 9 June 2026 But Ohtani reeled himself back in to face the top of the order. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026 In 2021, more than 43% of voters supported disbanding the department as the city reeled from Floyd’s killing and the massive protests and widespread rioting that followed. — ABC News, 28 May 2026 As the airline industry reeled and competitors quickly began furloughing employees, Southwest’s leadership gathered in their Dallas boardroom. — The Oklahoman, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026 These direct relationships of mutual candor and trust have been vital in delivering wins for the state where others reeled. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reeled
  1. spun
  2. staggered
  3. swam
  4. lurched
  5. rolled
Verb
  • Singer spun a quality start (6 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, BB, 5 Ks) in his Petco Park start against the Padres in June.
    — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • In recent months, Oaktree Capital Management co-founder Howard Marks spun two side-by-side villas on the market for a cool $70 million, while a $27 million property sought to set a record in the island’s Costa d’en Blanes region.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of spun
Verb
  • Biden called for reforms, too, in his final year, recommending that the Court’s Justices be limited to eighteen-year terms, staggered so that Presidents could appoint one every two years.
    — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Shore excursions leave on time, dining reservations are staggered throughout the evening, and all-aboard times aren’t suggestions.
    — Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of staggered
Verb
  • All but one happened between June and mid-September as people sat under a tree in a park, swam at the beach and rode bikes through a neighborhood.
    — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The Piper remained largely intact as Tenkley, wearing a bikini, swam away from the aircraft with the help of a lifeguard who arrived in moments to assist.
    — Eric Mack, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of swam
Verb
  • The airplane lurched skyward, and Elwood was strapped in for the ride.
    — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Markets have lurched up and down as oil prices shot higher because of the war with Iran.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of lurched
Verb
  • Pairing rolled clothing with compression packing cubes, like this Bagail six-piece set with mesh panels to easily see what’s inside, can help keep outfits organized while creating extra room for souvenirs on the way home.
    — Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The ball rolled all the way into the Rays’ bullpen in foul territory while Taylor sprinted to third.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of rolled

Browse Nearby Words

reel
reeled
reeled off
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Cite this Entry

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

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