heeling

present participle of heel
as in tilting
to set or cause to be at an angle the strong gust heeled the sailboat almost to the point of capsizing, but we managed to right it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 heeling In order to keep the lightweight watercraft from heeling over completely, crew members frantically scurry back and forth onto planks that are suspended out above the water on each side, rising and falling like seasick seesaws. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 15 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heeling
Verb
  • Each bag is equipped with features that make traveling easier, like comfort grip handles at the top and side, a self-locking retractable handle, back zippered pockets, and stability bars at the bottom to keep the bag from tilting while standing upright.
    Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2026
  • Rather than tilting the motors – as the Osprey or Valo do – its solution is to tilt the entire wings.
    Omar Kardoudi June 21, New Atlas, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • The modern silhouette’s low back and sloping arms provide a comfy foundation for anyone lucky enough to be invited in for a drink.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 27 June 2026
  • The plans have touched off stiff opposition from neighbors worried about soil erosion, already a problem in an area of steeply sloping topography, and potential well contamination.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • The decision to use collars comes from the federations, Nike said, with France leaning into its history as a fashion capital and Uruguay looking to evoke a more classic football look.
    Claire Rush, Fortune, 28 June 2026
  • And the organization’s internal splinter groups, the Soviet-leaning Weatherman Underground and the Maoist-leaning Progressive Labor faction fought each other bitterly.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • Others play the long game, staying in role for months and even angling for promotions to expand access.
    Brian Contos, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • At the start, David seems abrasive and unloving toward his own son and altogether too inviting toward John, who is eager to take over the biographical project that Jacob was angling for.
    Stephen Farber, HollywoodReporter, 15 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Heeling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heeling. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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