whirling 1 of 2

Definition of whirlingnext
as in giddy
having a feeling of being whirled about and in danger of falling down still whirling from the amusement park ride, I needed to sit down

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

whirling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of whirl
1
as in swirling
to cause (as a liquid) to move about in a circle especially repeatedly whirled the chocolate syrup into the milk with a spoon

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2
as in rotating
to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis the figure skater whirled his partner with effortless grace

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3
4
5
as in spinning
to be in a confused state as if from being twirled around my mind whirled from all of the excitement

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 whirling
Adjective
The magnetar was initially surrounded by a whirling disk of matter, funneling from its inner edge onto the stellar remnant. Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
The whirling metal blades dominate the front yard with more frenzy movements than a four-year-old rushing to the bathroom. Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2026 The swirling, whirling mass approaches like a steam train, picking up thousands of tons of matter on its descent, throwing clouds of snow into the air as its gathers speeds of up to 130 kph (80 mph). Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026 They got engaged, and later married during the set, surrounded by the artist and whirling revelers. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 10 Feb. 2026 Lensky, danced by Wei Wang, steals your heart while whirling through impossible pirouette sequences. Rachel Howard, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Jan. 2026 Though lazy Susans are better known for their utility on the table, consider getting one for more flexibility and succinct storage space within corner cabinets for whirling out pots and pans. Alex Ronan, Architectural Digest, 1 Jan. 2026 Dru Smith remains a whirling dervish on defense, delivering three more steals. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 27 Dec. 2025 These men, these whirling arms, are framing what’s to come, feeding the presses, day after day, pounding stories into brains. Literary Hub, 8 Dec. 2025 It's got a microphone, and a few years ago scientists reported hearing the sounds of a whirling dust devil passing over the rover. Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 26 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whirling
Adjective
  • Lanzone, 55, finally got his chance after the private equity firm Apollo Global Management paid $5 billion to take over Yahoo in September 2021 — a fraction of its peak $125 billion market value reached during the dot-com boom’s giddy days in early 2000.
    Michael Liedtke, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The Braves have every reason to feel giddy about their latest Sale investment.
    Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • After weeks of romance rumors swirling on social media, Batula and Wilson addressed the fan speculation in their joint Instagram statement.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
  • So much so, in fact, that rumors began swirling after the Bully leaks that Ye had been using AI to construct the album.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The kitchen runs a very cool rotating culinary collaboration with chefs from Rome’s most avant-garde eateries, alongside pop-up events and live music nights.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Arrange pork chops on top of vegetables and continue to roast until pork registers 145 degrees and vegetables are tender, 10 to 15 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through roasting.
    Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Applications for that program will open monthly on a revolving basis beginning April 1, and close the next day, a tight window that city officials said is necessary because of overwhelming demand.
    Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 25 Mar. 2026
  • While the Broadway production was presented on a huge, revolving set, this intimate black-box staging will focus on the language and storytelling in the script.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Fort Collins now has drones flying the city nearly every day as a resource to the police, fire and utilities departments.
    Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Meteor showers such as the Lyrids can be tracked yearly, because the debris flying through the night sky in fiery streaks is coming from the same comet.
    Hali Smith March 31, Idaho Statesman, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • It was recently formalized in a contract that provides continued access to NWI’s melt-spinning equipment and advanced processing facilities.
    Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Keef spinning his designer wheels and only occasionally touching road.
    Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Luna is in your distracted 3rd house, sparring with spitfire Mars in your dizzy 12th house.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Symptoms include decreased urination, dry mouth and throat, feeling dizzy when standing up, crying with few or no tears, and unusual sleepiness or fussiness.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The moody Moon in your 6th House of Effort opposes fiery Mars in your 12th House of Thoughts, stirring urgency around upcoming deadlines, outdated routines, or daily goals.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • When the ale is nearing a boil, put it in another pitcher, pour it very gradually into the pitcher containing the egg mix, while stirring briskly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
    Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Whirling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirling. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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