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

This tour represents Brooks’ latest effort to push back against music industry headwinds — specifically, spiraling ticket prices and bots or brokers snatching up prime tickets during onsales before fans have access. — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2026 In March, Anthropic was banned by the Pentagon after discussions about how the military could use its AI models spiraled out of control. — Ashley Capoot,jordan Novet,annie Palmer,lora Kolodny,kai Nicol-Schwarz,caleigh Keating, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026

Adjective

The restaurant also serves tater tots, onion rings, cheese sticks, dumplings and spiral and crinkle-cut fries. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2026 And at dusk in Noto over the clinking of glasses at sidewalk trattorias, crepuscular birds—two species of swift—swoop and spiral by the hundreds. — Alexandra Marvar, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026

Noun

All the while, the two are engaged in a staring contest like two territorial bald eagles locked in a death spiral. — Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026 Thornton’s Chris journey is one that reflects a tragic spiral and fate. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spiral

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiral

Verb

While both sides declined to comment on the specific size of the round, which includes Canadian VC Relay Ventures, Sportico previously reported that the curling company was looking to raise up to $25 million.

— Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 29 Oct. 2026
The man with the register looked up slowly and his lips curled outward like a bow with an unseen arrow.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of curl

Adjective

Highway 12 provides for a direct — though slightly more winding and arguably more scenic — drive into the northern and eastern portions of the North Bay.

— Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Every floor and room is dedicated to specific watch brands and timepieces, featuring bespoke details like watch-hand door handles and winding-crown faucet handles, all crafted by Florentine artisans.

— Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of winding

Noun

The back seat was somewhat compromised in headroom and legroom (and torso room, thanks to a giant center console), but the car’s curves more than made up for its flaws—at least, from the driver’s seat.

— Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2026
Appearing at a promotional event in Mexico City, Kardashian debuted a sharp, shoulder-grazing cut, worn poker-straight with a beautifully blunt finish and the softest inward curve at the ends.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of curve

Verb

Their soft robot, called BIOSENTER, is designed to autonomously inch through the crowded, cramped, and coiled small intestine, contracting and extending its body much like an earthworm or snake.

— Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 29 Oct. 2026
Beneath the churning buzz of the water pump in the basement corner, a milk snake coiled unnoticed.

— Madeline ffitch, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of coil

Adjective

Then carefully brûlée using a kitchen blowtorch, moving in a circular pattern, until the sugar is melted and a deep amber color.

— Rachel Gurjar, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
Robots, Barbie dolls, Supermans, T-rexes and princesses began to form in a circular line around the perimeter of the gym.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of circular

Verb

The 4-key Dithaba is the most private, set apart and above the 4-key Kapano and 12-key Lelapo (which are connected to each other by a winding pathway).

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
Outside, stone walls, winding walkways and lush gardens gave the property a rustic, English country feel, as did the porch and relaxed atmosphere.

— Heather Senison, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of wind

Adjective

The Archimedes screw gets a molecular makeover The researchers took inspiration from the Archimedes’ screw, an ancient device with a helical blade inside a cylinder that lifts water (or solids) when rotated.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
After testing roughly 40 prototypes, Brown settled on the final design, featuring patent-pending semi-helical geometry.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 20 Sep. 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 5 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of spiral

verb

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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