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
Iran signaled an aggressive response to this latest bid to break its stranglehold over the strait, which has left global shipping at an effective standstill and sent energy prices spiraling. Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 4 May 2026 Rather than demonstrating American power, the conflict has pulled the US into a deeply unpopular and seemingly intractable confrontation with spiraling global economic consequences. Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 4 May 2026 Earlier this year, Russian officials told Putin that a financial crisis could hit by the summer amid spiraling inflation. Jason Ma, Fortune, 3 May 2026 Alexander's shocking confession sent them both spiraling. Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 3 May 2026 Beautiful spiraling displays of z'labia (Texans might call it a funnel cake), fried just behind the counter. Nathanael Gassett, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Apr. 2026 Chase Dollander held the Mets to five hits over seven innings in his first start this year, and the Colorado Rockies beat New York 3-0 in a doubleheader nightcap Sunday to complete a three-game sweep that sent the spiraling Mets to their 15th loss in 17 games. ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026 And new European economic readings show growth slowing but prices not yet spiraling out of control, according to HSBC analysts. Semafor Events, semafor.com, 24 Apr. 2026 With Jax’s most loyal client at the center of a spiraling media disaster, The Stewart Firm is thrust into a high-stakes battle where every move could mean survival … or collapse of the firm. Joe Otterson, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiraling
Adjective
  • The film is set in Mumbai and built around a miserly protagonist whose circumstances spiral into escalating absurdity.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The signature spiral silhouette for the ring captures the idea of infinite motion within a sculptural form.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Driving through the winding park roads offered a chance to test the RAV4’s handling.
    Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 2 May 2026
  • Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds are winding collectors up.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • The news comes amid swirling reports and speculation about a number of cases.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Lowery manifests that vision as a swirling tangle of red fabric that acquires an almost corporeal form, a mesmerizing jolt of color in the sumptuous darkness of DP Andrew Droz Palermo’s visuals (Rina Yang shot the concert scenes).
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Apr. 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
  • Comprising irregular, curling and warped forms, the bed is crafted from stainless steel, powder coated in pink and black shades, with its design reportedly informed by female eroticism and intuition.
    Francesca Perry, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Add to that endless beaches trimmed in aquamarine surf, pulsing with relentlessly curling waves topped with dancing surfers.
    Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Gently curving architecture leads you from the showroom entrance into the cozy, circular display room.
    Nathanael Gassett, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Architects Enrique Muller and Santiago Aspe designed a striking adobe-style cascade that drops nine levels down the rock in warm honey tones, curving with the cliff as if it were poured in place.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 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 5 May. 2026.

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