as in spiral
turning around an axis like the thread of a screw Sirius, the brightest star in the heavens, travels a helical path through space

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 helical The magnetic field might be shaped like a spiral (called helical) or doughnut shaped (called toroidal). Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 13 Aug. 2025 Along with that, the research team also noted helical fiber structures, also with collagen, which suggests the cartilage is designed to prevent any cracks from spreading, and help to distribute staring and force. Discover Magazine, 20 May 2025 Among its features is the tourbillon at 5 o’clock, two six-column wheels to operate the different levers of the split-seconds function, a specific clamp design and a blade instead of the traditional helical spring. Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 2 May 2025 Nelson’s team can use its magnets to control a helical microrobot with magnetic fields of less than 10 millitesla, a fraction of what’s created in an MRI. IEEE Spectrum, 1 June 2015 See All Example Sentences for helical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for helical
Adjective
  • Place in springform pan, spiral side up, and repeat until pan is filled.
    Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Employers look for people who can set priorities and stay on top of deadlines without letting costs spiral out of control.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The road is narrow and winding, but the Civic Si’s chassis tuning shines, letting the car dance eagerly between corners.
    Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Water from a winding, jagged valley feeds the swimming spot, which has a 32-foot-wide pebbly beach.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 28 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Helical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/helical. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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!