swirl 1 of 2

1
as in to stir
to cause (as a liquid) to move about in a circle especially repeatedly kept swirling her lemonade until the ice had melted and it was completely watered down

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in to turn
to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis swirled her skirts as she danced the tango

Synonyms & Similar Words

swirl

2 of 2

noun

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 swirl
Verb
Rarely has a Cabinet choice encountered such swirling allegations of wrongdoing. Lisa Mascaro, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025 Rumors swirled that the Las Vegas Raiders were interested in him for their head coaching vacancy, leading many to believe that Belichick wouldn't return to the NFL this year due to his hefty $10 million buyout. John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
According to legend, and to people who spent time with him, these were the things David Lynch would fuel up on, substances that kept him going and contributed to the mad, cosmic swirl of ideas that found their way—to our lasting pleasure—from his brain to the screen. Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 16 Jan. 2025 But for as good as milk is, just one dollop and swirl of sour cream takes a pot pie recipe from good to great, oozing with unforgettable richness and tang. Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 25 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for swirl 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swirl
Verb
  • Ironically, if investors worry that the Fed could be affected by Trump’s wishes to lower rates, that could stir inflation fears that push up long-term rates, such as for mortgages, Bianchi and Millar said.
    Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Add remaining cornstarch mixture and cook, stirring, until sauce boils and thickens. 6.
    Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In the playoffs, though, Mahomes turned into Superman.
    Nate Taylor, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
  • At the very beginning of the app’s popularity in 2020, this discovery capability turned regular posters into household names and industry staples.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Characters are built by choosing Ways, which function like skills, feats and class talents that modify dice rolls.
    Rob Wieland, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Other data, such as your camera roll settings or location, may be collected automatically.
    Kim Key, PCMAG, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • These counter height stools have a 360-degree rotating seat, so users can seamlessly swivel to face towards or away from the counter.
    Maggie Horton, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025
  • While the reasons for the staggering weather are not fully understood, the researchers interpret these winds to be six times faster than the speed at which the planet itself rotates.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Castillo has been a consistent force in the Mariners' rotation.
    Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
  • The menu changes seasonally, but their famous chicken liver — served on brioche bread with pickled prunes, inspired by Anthony Bourdain — is always in rotation.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Scientists traced one to the turbulent, magnetically active region around a rapidly spinning star called a magnetar.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Accelerate Gradually Avoid sudden acceleration, which can cause tires to spin.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The mountains can also make the winds more erratic because additional whirls of wind, known as wind eddies, can form as the air moves across the peaks and through the canyons.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Swirling wind patterns known as eddies have also formed near the Eaton fire and could push the fire in unexpected directions.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • They were also printed on blue on white towels for fans to twirl at Ford Field.
    Larry Lage, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Nor does Coppola do her lead or the film any favors by continually cutting away to slo-mo scenes of Anderson twirling around outside and staring forlornly at the horizon, which gives off heavy student-film vibes.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near swirl

Cite this Entry

“Swirl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swirl. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on swirl

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!