1
2
3
as in rocks
to make a series of unsteady side-to-side motions
the car suddenly was rolling as high winds swept across the bridge
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in turns
to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis
in order to knock your opponent off balance, you have to roll the log when he least expects it
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in flows
to move in a stream
just lying on the beach, watching the clouds roll by
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in rotates
to move in circles around an axis or center
rolled her head around her shoulders to loosen herself up
Synonyms & Similar Words
7
as in glides
to move or proceed smoothly and readily
once we started rolling, everything went perfectly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in lists
a record of a series of items (as names or titles) usually arranged according to some system
called the roll of people supposed to be in the class
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in rotations
a rapid turning about on an axis or central point
the squirrel did a quick roll and vanished up a tree
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 rolls
CBS News, 7 June 2026
If someone already uses a wheelchair, the home may already work well for a robot that rolls.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
Economists surveyed by Dow Jones expect the employment rolls to show that just 80,000 jobs were added during the month, which would mark a notch step down from the average of 150,000 over the prior two months, including 115,000 in April.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 4 June 2026
The telescopic handle is widened for grip, and the wheels are enlarged and made from shock-absorbent material that rolls quietly.
—John Wogan, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2026
Remarkably soft, moist, and fluffy, these rolls pack enough flavor to be satisfying on their own—especially since the mashed potatoes lend an extra layer of seasoning.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 June 2026
Statewide distribution rolls through WOW Spirits, with Texas leading and Florida, California, and Arizona next, prioritized by RTD market opportunity.
—Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
To him, every single robotic box that rolls off the assembly line represents a tangible step toward a completely staffless retail economy.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 27 May 2026
There is a name at the top — and the list rolls on through possible alternatives.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 June 2026
The menu includes pho with 24-hour beef broth, vermicelli bowls and small plates like Saigon crunch rolls and shrimp-avocado spring rolls.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 12 June 2026
Hospitals, already struggling in many rural areas, still face a steep drop in revenue as new federal work requirements and cuts knock people off Medi-Cal rolls.
—Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
Voter rolls are a huge refrain in conspiracy theories and the subject of numerous (mostly unsucessful) lawsuits by Trump‘s Department of Justice.
—Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Celebrate the World Cup with Spanish patatas bravas, Korean rice rolls, Mexican basket tacos and more.
—Victoria Caruso, Washington Post, 11 June 2026
After the office audited its records, nearly half a billion dollars in taxable value was added back to the rolls.
—Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 10 June 2026
And speaking of lobster rolls, Perkins Cove’s Lobster Shack has some of the freshest around and is also known for its traditional clam chowder.
—Kira Turnbull, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2026
While job gains have been largely concentrated in just a few sectors, layoffs also have been moderate, though some signs are building that artificial intelligence is having an impact on labor rolls.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 5 June 2026
Verb
Video from the storm showed rain and wind that reached speeds of 40 mph tearing up a tent, with one person flying through the air while trying to hold it down as another person rolls uncontrollably down a hill.
—CBS News, 7 June 2026
If someone already uses a wheelchair, the home may already work well for a robot that rolls.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
Economists surveyed by Dow Jones expect the employment rolls to show that just 80,000 jobs were added during the month, which would mark a notch step down from the average of 150,000 over the prior two months, including 115,000 in April.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 4 June 2026
The telescopic handle is widened for grip, and the wheels are enlarged and made from shock-absorbent material that rolls quietly.
—John Wogan, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2026
Remarkably soft, moist, and fluffy, these rolls pack enough flavor to be satisfying on their own—especially since the mashed potatoes lend an extra layer of seasoning.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 June 2026
Statewide distribution rolls through WOW Spirits, with Texas leading and Florida, California, and Arizona next, prioritized by RTD market opportunity.
—Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
To him, every single robotic box that rolls off the assembly line represents a tangible step toward a completely staffless retail economy.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 27 May 2026
There is a name at the top — and the list rolls on through possible alternatives.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Noun
Boston gets a lot of attention for its classics—lobster rolls, Boston cream pie, clam chowder.
—Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 June 2026
The menu includes pho with 24-hour beef broth, vermicelli bowls and small plates like Saigon crunch rolls and shrimp-avocado spring rolls.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 12 June 2026
Hospitals, already struggling in many rural areas, still face a steep drop in revenue as new federal work requirements and cuts knock people off Medi-Cal rolls.
—Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
Voter rolls are a huge refrain in conspiracy theories and the subject of numerous (mostly unsucessful) lawsuits by Trump‘s Department of Justice.
—Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Celebrate the World Cup with Spanish patatas bravas, Korean rice rolls, Mexican basket tacos and more.
—Victoria Caruso, Washington Post, 11 June 2026
After the office audited its records, nearly half a billion dollars in taxable value was added back to the rolls.
—Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 10 June 2026
And speaking of lobster rolls, Perkins Cove’s Lobster Shack has some of the freshest around and is also known for its traditional clam chowder.
—Kira Turnbull, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2026
While job gains have been largely concentrated in just a few sectors, layoffs also have been moderate, though some signs are building that artificial intelligence is having an impact on labor rolls.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 5 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rolls
Verb
-
France’s Massif Central rounds out the European picks with dormant volcanoes, deep river gorges and lush plateaus.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
4 June 2026
-
Beyond those features, the Captain's Crunch rounds out its list of 11 functions with regular pliers, standard and hard wire cutters integrated into the plier assembly, a wire stripper below on the swing arm between handles, and a pin vise function at the tips of the pliers.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
The volcano rumbles at predictable intervals, a low groan like a thunderstorm a few valleys over.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
-
Inside the nearly empty Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown LA last Monday afternoon, the air rumbles and judders and roars like a B-52 engine readying for takeoff.—
Erik Pedersen,
Daily News,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Jane Fonda rocks a pink suit at the 2026 GCAPP Rising Leaders Luncheon on June 5 in Sandy Springs, Ga.—
People Staff,
PEOPLE,
8 June 2026
-
While all of this inner turmoil rocks the rest of the Islanders, Aniya should be getting paid some kind of fee for her services as villa therapist.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Vulture,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 June 2026
-
For a moment, the mood turns sour.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
Below that, the main deck is equipped with a spacious salon that flows onto the aft deck, the swim platform, and a garage with space for a 16-foot tender and a Jet Ski.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
12 June 2026
-
Dark flows rising Even without a peace deal, there have been growing signs that significant volumes of oil are flowing through the strait in tankers with their signals switched off — including with assistance from the US military.—
Bloomberg,
Oc Register,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
In addition to its signature chocolate and vanilla custard, guests can also try the Flavor of the Day, which rotates regularly, apart from the beloved Wedding Cake Wednesday that frequently makes an appearance.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
6 June 2026
-
The tumbler’s leakproof lid also rotates for three comfortable sipping positions.—
Sian Babish,
PEOPLE,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
The verse is tethered to the earth; the chorus glides like a 747.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
4 June 2026
-
In the warmer months, don’t skip a ride on The Morgan, Sagamore’s cruising vessel that glides around Lake George.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
Discerning consumers, however, may notice small but significant differences in ingredient lists depending on whether their purchases are made in the European Union or the United States.—
David Faris,
TheWeek,
12 June 2026
-
What sets these acne-safe formulas apart is their lightweight, noncomedogenic ingredient lists, carefully designed to keep pores clear while helping minimize redness and excess shine.—
Iman Balagam,
Vogue,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rolls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rolls. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
