SPIRAL Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

spiral 1 of 3

verb

Definition of spiral

as in to curl

to follow a circular or spiral course a narrow road spiraling up the mountain to the summit

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

straighten

spiral

2 of 3

adjective

ˈspī-rəl

as in winding

turning around an axis like the thread of a screw a spiral staircase takes visitors up into the Statue of Liberty

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

spiral

3 of 3

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 spiral

Verb

But after witnessing the devastating power of dragonfire firsthand at the Battle of Rook's Rest in Season 2, Cole's view of the conflict began to spiral into nihilism. — Megan McCluskey, Time, 27 July 2026 Elsewhere, China already has dramatically decreased its oil imports—keeping prices from spiraling near record highs. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 25 July 2026

Adjective

The design of the gold dress created a spiral, fanned effect with slight ombré elements and fringe illusion work. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 14 July 2026 Greece’s financial crisis wiped out a quarter of the country’s economy, plunging it into a depression that saw poverty spiral and unemployment skyrocket to around 27%. — ABC News, 10 July 2026

Noun

Highlights will include the world’s first upside-down launch, a final launch that propels the train to 100 mph, and a thrilling 180-degree bank spiral that offers breathtaking views of the park below. — Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 29 July 2026 Continue reading … 'ANGUISH' — Father of slain kids recalls wife's 'big spiral' in gut-wrenching testimony. — FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for spiral

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiral

Verb

Méndez curled a free kick from the right side that went untouched off the post and into the net in the 84th minute to tie it.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
For an additional pop of color, Cardi wore her hair in an icy blue bob that was parted to the side and curled under at the ends.

— Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026

Definition of curl

Adjective

But what once looked like a potential breakout career in San Francisco has instead become a winding journey through multiple organizations, with the latest chapter ending after a short stay in the Dodgers' system.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
As such, the show takes you on a winding journey of France’s influential craftsmanship and its impact on America via archival looks, dazzling objects, and more modern creations.

— Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 29 May 2026

Definition of winding

Noun

Varland to start the ninth and was standing on second when Bregman took a 1-2 knuckle-curve and deposited it off the wall and into the basket near the yellow 358-foot marker near the foul pole.

— Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
After Jacob Young walked to put runners on first and second with no outs, Abrams drove an 0-1 knuckle curve from Caleb Kilian (3-7) to deep center field.

— CBS News, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of curve

Adjective

This is a place to order something sparkly—maybe the Broadway 75, a pale pink French 75 riff—to sip at the circular bar, or ensconced in the velvet banquette seats.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
There’s a spa with a circular soaking pool, a cold plunge, a sauna and an outdoor bathhouse set into the Gorge.

— Winston Ross, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of circular

Verb

Although the Belmont break was smooth, Renegade and Ortiz took to the back alongside Golden Tempo and Commandment and had more to do winding his way through the pack than either of them.

— Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Meanwhile, thousands more are waiting in county jails for cases that are winding through a new, convoluted and confusing system where geography controls the rules.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026

Definition of wind

Adjective

On a pedestal at the foot of an impressive cantilevered helical staircase stands the ornate Taca de Portugal.

— James Horncastle, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Rotating the nozzle during printing adds another layer of control by writing helical molecular alignment patterns directly into the structure.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 May 2026

Definition of helical

Browse Nearby Words

spiny

spiral

spiraled

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Spiral.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spiral. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of spiral

verb

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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