spiraling 1 of 2

variants or spiralling
Definition of spiralingnext

spiraling

2 of 2

verb

variants or spiralling
present participle of spiral

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 spiraling
Adjective
The basic idea is that when anxiety spikes, pulling out a few sensory-engaging items can stave off panic by interrupting spiraling thoughts. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 30 Apr. 2026 Still annoyed, weirdly offended, and slightly spiraling. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 6 Apr. 2026 Violent confrontations targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minnesota are being driven by outside actors exploiting chaos, not organic protest, according to a protest insider warning that the situation is rapidly spiraling. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026 Demonstrations broke out over the near-collapse of the rial and spiraling economic conditions but grew to become a larger movement against the regime. Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026 In our seminar, Bolin later showed a visualization of 3I/ATLAS's orbit around the galaxy — no neat ellipse, but rather a looping, spiraling path distorted by encounters with gas clouds, spiral arms and dark matter. Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 2 Dec. 2025
Verb
By the end of 1989, Tyson's record was 37-0, but out of the ring, his personal life was spiraling. Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026 With little rain to obscure the view, an enormous spiraling thunderstorm created an otherworldly scene as the sun set in southwest Oklahoma. Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 16 May 2026 The goal is to reflect briefly and objectively, without spiraling into rumination. Elise Devlin, New York Times, 16 May 2026 Havana, Cuba — CIA Director John Ratcliffe led a US delegation to Havana to meet with Cuban government officials on Thursday as the island grapples with a collapse of its energy sector amid spiraling relations with the US. Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 14 May 2026 Adam’s devious plan and meddling soon sets everything, and everyone, spiraling out of control. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 14 May 2026 Instead of spiraling, acknowledge where structure would actually make your life easier. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026 Iranians have been hit by spiraling prices for food, medicine and other goods. ABC News, 13 May 2026 However, Friday’s labor data, at least, dampened fears the squeeze is spiraling into a full recession. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 10 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiraling
Adjective
  • The galaxy's red and orange spiral arms bending outward can measure tens or even hundreds of light-years across.
    Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 13 May 2026
  • This transformative power was top of mind when Kwong designed Gardens of Renewal in New York City’s Madison Square Park, which included a spiral meditation garden, 3,000 native plants, and a children’s garden organized by color.
    Eleni N. Gage, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • Then, follow the winding roads to Gelso, home to a black-sand beach and the waterfront Trattoria Da Pina, also referred to as Trattoria Dai Maniaci.
    Nicky Swallow, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026
  • The appeal of Reynolds Lake Oconee is as multifaceted as the intricately winding shores of the waters that give this exclusive community its name.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • The winds across Antarctica's frozen landscape have carved incredible, swirling vortexes in the clouds above the icy terrain.
    Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 12 May 2026
  • That the story of The Deb, which centers around female friendship and unity despite cultural differences, wound up curdling into a swirling pit of harassment and negativity and abuse is one of this world’s cruel ironies.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • As a performer, Tetzloff uses a natural physicality, at times leaning back from the piano as if to take a good look at his hands on the keys, and at other times coiling forward in rapt concentration.
    Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Look to Hermès for a fresh take on jewelry styling by coiling a silk scarf around a pendant and pairing with a simple button-up and trousers.
    Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The mood music at City, meanwhile, is noticeably more subdued, although Jeremy Doku’s last-gasp curling equaliser on Merseyside did keep their hopes alive.
    Ayo Akinwolere, New York Times, 10 May 2026
  • In front of the memorial, a small gray cat sits in the rain before wandering to the front door of the gray and white home, curling near the entrance where blood had been spattered just weeks earlier.
    Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • Mutable clay offers a contrast to precise silver, in a composition that has the curving voids reminiscent of Joan Lurie and Henry Moore.
    Anthony Paletta, Curbed, 17 May 2026
  • High up on the curving walls to either side were large murals painted in the 1930s by the artist Barry Faulkner portraying Thomas Jefferson handing the Declaration to John Hancock and the ratification of the Constitution.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • The main performance is scheduled to include aerial acrobatics, bondage, burlesque and drag performers from groups such as The Dragonettes, AKArts Collective and others with hypnotic live looping and vocal music from Morgan Sorne.
    Anne Schrager, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Tight baseline battles, pressure from Shelton and counterattacks from Ruud, using the violent topspin of those big looping forehands.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spiraling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spiraling. Accessed 19 May. 2026.

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