spinning

verb

Definition of spinningnext
present participle of spin
1
as in rotating
to move in circles around an axis or center spinning on its axis, the Earth makes one complete rotation every 23 hours 56 minutes 4 seconds

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in swimming
to be in a confused state as if from being twirled around my head spun as I contemplated all the possible problems this restructuring could cause

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in twirling
to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis spun the child around until he was hopelessly dizzy

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 spinning What 'Managing' Executive Reputation Actually Means Managing your reputation as an executive doesn't mean spinning a narrative. — Darius Fisher, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 For the four-year period between 2023 and 2026, culminating in a money-spinning World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, FIFA projected $13billion in revenues (subsequently updating its projections to $15bn). — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 31 July 2026 The Katalyst team is hoping to stop LINK from spinning before reevaluating how to go forward with the rescue mission, if at all. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 29 July 2026 The ride, named after a legendary sea serpent from Philippine mythology, will reach 382 feet high and speeds of up to 100 mph, sending guests spinning through the air, upright, inverted and sideways. — Michael L. Diamond, USA Today, 28 July 2026 Those spinning atomic nuclei constantly generate faint magnetic fluctuations. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 26 July 2026 With only 23 minutes of oxygen left, Foale and cosmonauts Vasily Tsibliev and Alexander ‘Sasha’ Lazutkin were able to repair the damage and stop the tumbling spacecraft from spinning wildly out of control. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 25 July 2026 Check the Spray Arms Another option is to take a look at the spray arms inside your machine by spinning them manually. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 25 July 2026 Noel said the Yaris somehow wound up high-centered on a berm, and the witnesses spotted the driver revving the small car’s engine with the stuck vehicle’s wheels spinning. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spinning
  1. rotating
  2. swimming
  3. twirling
  4. revolving
  5. whirling
  6. turning
  7. twisting
  8. swirling
Verb
  • Smith has experimented with several rotating analysts through the years; at least three of them (Keyshawn Johnson, Smith and Shannon Sharpe) were let go.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026
  • Rather, currency will be extracted that can be used either to upgrade Vault Breaker kits or abilities, or it can be used to purchase rotating store items that can be used in any mode, including the normal extraction modes.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of rotating
Verb
  • Here’s why adults are swimming for better health Add this to the healthy, fun retirementcore activity list.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 28 July 2026
  • Two years later, the program is no longer swimming against that current — perhaps not at the price point of the Big Ten’s highest spenders, but much closer.
    — Justin Williams, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Definition of swimming
Verb
  • On any other man, this level of villainy could be mustache-twirling and cartoonish.
    — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 4 June 2026
  • The mustache-twirling villain flees, both Half-ATs and full-on AT-AT Walkers come into play, and our hero and Grogu finish the job.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 25 May 2026
Definition of twirling
Verb
  • Faithful gather to sing hymns and sip Bloody Marys, and a revolving cast of chaplains, including one who once served at the University of Texas chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, lead services.
    — Pam LeBlanc, Southern Living, 20 July 2026
  • Charlotte’s newest revolving sushi bar is poised to open later this week.
    — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2026
Definition of revolving
Verb
  • The systems also can spin up whirling columns of flame — usually a fire whirl, which Giannaros describes as a dust devil made of fire and heat instead of dust.
    — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
  • The Argentina fans roused themselves, whirling their shirts above their heads.
    — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Definition of whirling
Verb
  • That starts early, with Lily accusing Sam of turning her and Zac into an all-Asian team to compete against the whites.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 28 July 2026
  • While these signings rarely generate major headlines immediately, the Dodgers have developed a reputation for turning under-the-radar acquisitions into legitimate prospects.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of turning
Verb
  • The government is twisting a 60-year-old deal to take control of my land.
    — Cody Peterson, Washington Post, 29 July 2026
  • As Smith read Colt’s writings, the teenager remained expressionless, sometimes gently rocking and twisting in his chair.
    — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
Definition of twisting
Verb
  • Following that will not be straightforward and, in the short-term, Howe’s departure will do little to calm the angst which has been swirling around the club in recent weeks.
    — David Ornstein, New York Times, 30 July 2026
  • Way back in the spring of 2024, rumors began swirling that BMW was working on what would effectively be its equivalent of the G-Wagen or the Land Rover Range Rover.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 30 July 2026
Definition of swirling

Browse Nearby Words

spinners
spinning
spin-off
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Cite this Entry

“Spinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spinning. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spinning

Nglish: Translation of spinning for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spinning

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