reel 1 of 2

noun

Definition of reelnext
as in rotation
a rapid turning about on an axis or central point she slipped and, after an out-of-control reel, fell on her backside

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reel

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to spin
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stagger
to move forward while swaying from side to side got off the amusement park ride reeling and barely able to stand

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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 reel
Noun
Mourmouras has submitted an application to the state for a first-ever swordfish rod-and-reel catch. — Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 26 Aug. 2026 In a reel posted to Instagram on Saturday, news personality Morgan Paige shared some hints that the show could be headed to Charlotte. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
The flights, which DHS has warned will increase, pose a looming challenge for Haiti, which woke up on Monday reeling from another deadly gang massacre in the hills above Port-au-Prince. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 Jose’s siblings are reeling from the shock slaying so close to home. — Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reel
  1. rotation
  2. spin
  3. stagger
  4. roll
  5. swim
  6. weave
  7. wheel
  8. lurch
Noun
  • Returnees Connor Meadows, Owen Spell, LaParka Langston, Justin Royes and Jacob Maiva also figure to be a part of a rotation put together by new offensive line coach AJ Blazek.
    — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
  • That left Daniels with a group that featured a lot of sixth-round rookie Matt Gulbin and a little of Julian Good-Jones at center, and a right guard rotation with Good-Jones and undrafted rookie Tanoa Togiai.
    — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of rotation
Verb
  • Perry noted that unlike other spinning coasters, whose rotation may depend on weight distribution within the vehicle, these coaster cars are programmed to spin at specific times along the track, in sync with the on-board audio.
    — Eve Chen, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Before and after each screening, Cinespia’s signature DJs will spin sets while guests can enjoy the beer and wine bars as well as concession stands scattered throughout the cemetery grounds.
    — Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of spin
Verb
  • The funding document stated that the funding would be staggered and tied to different stages of the project, such as the official announcement of filming in Madrid, the start of shooting, and that Madrid had to appear in the film’s title.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Darwin, by then forty-nine and not in the greatest health, was staggered.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of stagger
Noun
  • Over the years, culprits have ranged from El Niño and climate change to the World Trade Organization, rock ‘n’ roll music and the fluoridation of water.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Steven Tian and Stephen Henriques, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Getty My dad was a rock ‘n’ roll traveler then, in the way some are food travelers today.
    — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of roll
Verb
  • Sixteen beaches are not recommended for swimming by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
    — Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Children swim as ships are seen anchored in the Strait of Hormuz on August 10, 2026 off the coast of Bandar Abbas, Iran.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of swim
Verb
  • After years of analysis, Caltrans has decided to weave strong micropiles into the 499 aging piles that now support the bridge’s piers, said Allan Kosup, chief deputy director of Caltrans District 11 in San Diego and Imperial counties.
    — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Kamnop is a quest for healing and justice, where dreams become reality, weaving together memory, sorrow and joy.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of weave
Noun
  • The Torcal’s response on-center is deliberately somewhat muted, progressing as the driver turns the wheel, helping maintain the illusion that the Torcal’s mere inertia is sufficient to carry it through irregularities in the path ahead.
    — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 27 Aug. 2026
  • But according to records reviewed during a deposition of the park’s director of maintenance, state officials were allegedly unaware that maintenance workers had replaced a wheel on one of the train cars prior to their inspection.
    — Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of wheel
Verb
  • Maresca, though, does not appear to have much taste for the Premier League’s lurch towards balls into the box.
    — Sam Lee, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The United States, which had been lurching toward entry in the Second World War, was suddenly and inescapably thrust into global conflict.
    — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of lurch

Phrases Containing reel

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reeky
reel
reeled
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Cite this Entry

“Reel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reel. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reel

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