SPIRALING Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

spiraling 1 of 2

adjective

variants or spiralling

as in spiral

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

spiraling

2 of 2

verb

variants or spiralling

present participle of spiral

as in winding

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

straightening

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

Libfeld brought a massive, spiraling kudu horn to practice with at a recent Torat Emet shofar class. — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026 Aside from a spiraling Wanda, there was also an onslaught of high-profile cameos, which almost felt like fandom wish fulfillment designed to keep us entertained when Wanda wasn’t around. — Ew Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026 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

DraftKings says its responsible gaming system provides adequate safeguards to protect customers from spiraling out of control. — ProPublica, 6 Oct. 2026 Here’s a closer look at Clancy’s spiraling mental health, the killings of her children, her triple murder trial and her ongoing legal situation. — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026 But when a traumatic encounter sends Tonya spiraling back into addiction—and back into the dangerous orbit of her drug-dealing ex-husband, Ronny (Alexander)—her fragile progress begins to unravel. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2026 When a user is spiraling, does the system slow down or match the energy? — Puneet Gaur, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026 Instead of spiraling into disappointment, tune into your instincts, hold your ground, and wait for clarity before taking the next step. — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2026 The joint letter also comes against a backdrop of surging government borrowing costs, spiraling inflation and sluggish growth across much of the continent, as well as concerns about rising budget deficits in various EU countries. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026 While working at the Crawford home, Lowen discovers a secret manuscript containing Verity’s apparent autobiographical notes, raising disturbing questions about her past and sending her spiraling over what to believe. — Michaela Zee, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026 This exchange turns into Luann fully spiraling out, screaming about Porsha being two hours late to anybody who would listen. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiraling

Adjective

In a new teaser for the episode, Johnson runs through the usual introduction before things quickly spiral into increasingly strange territory alongside SNL cast member Ashley Padilla.

— Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026
Neouze balances spiral dresses and intricately layered balloon-leg trousers with cleaner separates in jersey and organza.

— Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of spiral

Verb

But the image that stays with me is of a meeting with Olga, climbing the winding stairs of our little building for a somewhat chaotic coffee in the festival’s office.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
Golf carts shuttle guests around the property, which is more compact than the winding lanes convey, not to mention perfectly laid out.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of winding

Adjective

An early tour of his estate, provided by the swirling camerawork of Emmanuel Lubezki, reveals a catalogue of crimes against the animal kingdom, with antlers and furs festooning every surface.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026
Another highlight is the custom leather ceiling in the owner’s suite, which showcases a swirling pattern like a lollipop’s.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of swirling

Verb

In addition to data on coiling direction from multiple species going back millions of years, the study incorporates insights from modern foram genetics and biology.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 11 Sep. 2026
Joe Kramm | Courtesy of Francis Interiors The gold background is a spread of bold graphic lines, undulating shapes and coiling circular motifs, referencing the work of French artist, sculptor and designer Jean Dunand (1877–1942).

— R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of coiling

Adjective

BepiColombo launched in October 2018 and took a long, looping and highly circuitous route toward Mercury our solar system's innermost planet.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2026
The 35-year-old missed with a looping, 72-mph curveball on the first pitch in their third matchup.

— Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of looping

Verb

Sand-like granules collecting in gutters, curling or missing shingles, brittle or cracking shingles, sagging sections and indoor leaks or ceiling stains are the standard indicators that a roof is failing.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Her signature micro braids were scooped up into a half-up, half-down style with free-flowing tendrils curling around her forehead and cheekbones.

— Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of curling

Verb

That’s apt because the technological stroke that’s allowed Jamestown to revive One Times Square’s interiors is the evolution of digital screens that can slink along curving walls and respond to touch.

— Justin Davidson, Curbed, 1 Oct. 2026
The unintended effect of low-density construction, restrictive zoning, and curving roads is a staggering increase in the distance between destinations.

— Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of curving

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spiraled

spiraling

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“Spiraling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spiraling. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of spiraling

adjective

verb

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