SPINNING Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

spinning

verb

present participle of spin

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

Relevance

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

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 Misa is a beautiful skater with some quiet explosiveness and a real knack for weaving, cutting, turning and spinning in control of the puck to either shake defenders under pressure in the offensive or defensive zone or slip past them in transition with his speed and agility. —

Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026 After a brief tour, Cohen and I donned motorcycle helmets and went for a ride, spinning through the cobble and paved roads and bike lanes on Infinite Machines’ new e-bike, the Olto. —

Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2026 When these rapidly spinning neutron stars blast out radiation from their poles, that radiation sweeps across the cosmos like beams of light from a cosmic lighthouse. —

Robert Lea, Space.com, 3 Apr. 2026 Since her early days as a salon receptionist, the artist formerly known as Catherine Garner has channeled her unbridled id with a head-spinning boldness that would be probable cause for exorcism in most God-fearing countries. —

Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026 Democrats are already spinning the outcome as a win. —

Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Apr. 2026 The other sounds that filled the room, other than the chatter of her guests, came from Parks and her friends spinning on her DDJ 200 DJ controller. —

Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2026 It was recently formalized in a contract that provides continued access to NWI’s melt-spinning equipment and advanced processing facilities. —

Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2026 On Tuesday, the southpaw was simply effective against the Mariners, spinning seven scoreless innings as the Bombers bounced back from their first loss of the season with a 5-0 win at T-Mobile Park. —

Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spinning

Verb

The latter’s rotating seasonal menu features crudo, chowders, and salads, as well as entrée mainstays like steak, chicken, fish, and pasta.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
Its ensemble approach — rotating in high-profile guest stars alongside a deep regular cast — generated acting nominations in virtually every season of its run.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Apr. 2026