COIL Synonyms: 126 Similar and Opposite Words

coil 1 of 2

noun

ˈkȯi(-ə)l

Definition of coil

as in disturbance

a state of noisy, confused activity amidst the coil of the office renovations, we even managed to get some work done

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

coil

2 of 2

verb

as in to curl

to follow a circular or spiral course a vine coiling around a pillar

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

straighten

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 coil

Noun

This allows massive electrical currents to flow through small coils without wasting energy as heat. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026 During the recent session, Soto taught people how to make coils for teardrop designs along with other simple shapes. — Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026

Verb

Metal snakes use a sharp or coiled head that’s designed to twist into and break up the blockage. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 17 Sep. 2026 Paragloborotalia siakensis changed from mixed to left-handed coiling 15 million years ago. — Quanta Magazine, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for coil

Recent Examples of Synonyms for coil

Noun

And in an unrelated incident on the morning of June 9, 2026, Jackson was arrested after Los Angeles police responded to a domestic disturbance call at his West Hills home late the previous night.

— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Jacobs was arrested May 26, three days after police officers came to his Wisconsin home to investigate a disturbance.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of disturbance

Verb

The hypnotizing corduroy stripes of curling blue waves visible from the resort’s expansive green clifftop lawn en route to a private staircase that leads straight to the surf—and a guest-only beach deck, too.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
Similarly, Helene made landfall two years ago on the Florida Gulf Coast before curling to the west near the mountains, but far less rain is expected with Isaias, forecasters said.

— Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of curl

Noun

That's especially prevalent in the Oversized Graphic T-Shirt with enigmatic dates on the back -- those are already causing a stir in the fan community.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
The Grammy winner’s online feud with Art of Play has caused quite a stir on the internet over the past few days.

— Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of stir

Verb

Produced by Awesomeness Films, the movie then embarked on a winding journey to release after Viacom bought Awesomeness and eventually merged with CBS.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
The estate’s outdoor spaces are equally inviting, with covered walkways winding through the picturesque grounds and connecting a deep oval swimming pool, an outdoor kitchen, and a bocce court.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of wind

Noun

Christian and Laura Stone had stopped by to see what was causing the commotion after noticing the emergency light while taking their kids to school.

— Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Deep Ellum business owner Barry McCary noticed the commotion and started recording video.

— CBS News, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of commotion

Verb

Animators studied ostriches before feeding their digital movement curves into a six-axis mechanical rig carrying the performers.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
The tangle of stubby points stood out like overgrown thumbs, and the down-curving prongs on either side of his head were at least a foot long.

— Al Dawson, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of curve

Noun

Their rackets—plunder, opium trafficking, and much else—were often run not by members of established yakuza gangs but by fixers and political operators who exploited their connections with the Imperial Japanese Army.

— Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
The racket clanged off the metal bar and didn’t injure any fans, but the crowd audibly gasped at Atmane’s petulance, as the racket didn’t miss them by much.

— Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of racket

Noun

Don’t worry, the breakdown starts in a hurry and Cardellini is terrifying, if perhaps not as sympathetic as the series requires long-term.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
Jahkeem Stewart played after being listed as a game-time decision on the injury report and recorded a quarterback hurry.

— Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of hurry

Cite this Entry

Style

“Coil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coil. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of coil

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on coil

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

bon vivant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 16

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes