maelstrom

Definition of maelstromnext
as in vortex
water moving rapidly in a circle with a hollow in the center our rubber raft got caught in a maelstrom in a particularly rough stretch of white water

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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 maelstrom Before diving into the ongoing maelstrom of Iran peace talks, Jon Stewart spent several minutes of his opening Daily Show monologue to address President Donald Trump‘s fast-tracking of access to psychedelic drug treatments. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 20 Apr. 2026 In 2019, there was a maelstrom of seismic activity near Kīlauea, deep below the town of Pāhala. Quanta Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026 In the maelstrom of modern war, presumed certainties crumble like piecrust. George F. Will, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2026 Or the sight of an evil Jerry robot, puppeted by the consciousness of a tyrannical butterfly (Dave Franco), scampering, insect-like, around the fiery maelstrom of a rally gone awry. Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for maelstrom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maelstrom
vortex
Noun
  • Interestingly, supercomputer simulations revealed that a dolphin’s propulsion is driven by the formation of massive, powerful vortex rings.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 May 2026
  • The combination creates a vortex effect, which pulls hot ash, embers and debris into a spinning column.
    Blanca Begert, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Maelstrom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maelstrom. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

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