coil 1 of 2

noun

ˈkȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce coil (audio)
Definition of coilnext
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

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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

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
The current instrument now uses standard spark plugs and ignition coils like those in car engines. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2026 Condenser Coils and Door Seals The condenser coils are a series of metal tubing located on the back bottom of a fridge. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
For example, a gardener may not see a snake coiled among the plants. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026 Beach waves run the gamut from tight and coiled to long and easy, all depending on your hair type. — Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for coil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coil
  1. disturbance
  2. curl
  3. stir
  4. wind
  5. commotion
  6. curve
  7. racket
  8. hurry
Noun
  • The incident happened last week at the Creekside community pool after police responded to a disturbance call.
    — Marissa Armas, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The newest disturbance in the Atlantic moved off the coast of Africa late Tuesday.
    — Robin Webb, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of disturbance
Verb
  • Deyna Castellanos gave Portland the lead in the 58th minute with a curling shot from a tight angle.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • But in the first swing of the match, Nakashima botched his first serve, and on his second, Shelton sent a booming 97 mph lefty forehand down the line that curled into the court to earn the break.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of curl
Noun
  • The Oscars smooch caused a stir in the media, but Haven later denied that there was anything untoward at play.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The news has caused a stir on the island, where Cubans have been paying for medicines on the black market for years after the government reduced the production and import of medicines amid the economic crisis.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of stir
Verb
  • But there were no bears to be found right then on the Bayou, so after a few days camp was moved to Bear Lake, a long, winding body of water once part of a river but now stillwater.
    — Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026
  • While the innovation doesn’t prevent all cracking, the DNGEs' particulate formation forces cracks to wind through soft regions instead of traveling in straight lines.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of wind
Noun
  • Hearing the commotion, John calls for Gates only for the assailant to kick through the door.
    — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Sleep was beginning to finally visit the insomniacs and drunkards of T—in central Manila when a commotion louder than the usual domestic squabbles erupted from the room above Mang Calixto’s bakery.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of commotion
Verb
  • The boats are flanked by cascading waterfalls, and mountains that appear to curve in on themselves.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Its bright red star Antares marks the heart of the scorpion, with a curving tail extending downward toward the horizon.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of curve
Noun
  • Decades ago, road noise and car noise could make quite a racket in a car’s interior.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The video showed the broadcast journalist, 47, before and after his cut, which was texturized using a twist racket.
    — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of racket
Noun
  • Two years into her reign, in 2024, an insider revealed that Camilla wasn’t in any hurry to step away.
    — Starr Bowenbank, InStyle, 18 July 2026
  • Prairiewolf has always seemed bent on finding new territory while being in no particular hurry to get there.
    — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 17 July 2026
Definition of hurry

Browse Nearby Words

coigns of vantage
coil
coiled
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Cite this Entry

“Coil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coil. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on coil

Nglish: Translation of coil for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about coil

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