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
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
Robbins said having that mental image ready gives the brain something else to focus on when fear starts to rise, rather than spiraling into worst-case scenarios. Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026 Small business owners in Iran have long been seen as supportive of the regime, but anger over spiraling inflation and the devaluation of the nation's currency, which lost more than 40% of its value last year, making everyday goods impossible for many people to afford, sparked the demonstrations. Joe Walsh, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026 On Thursday, though, Staios released an explosive statement condemning those who continue to spread stories or add to the spiraling rumor mill. Ben Church, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026 But my life was spiraling at this point. Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Jan. 2026 The Knicks did win, 123-111, in a turn of events that may have saved a spiraling season—because Mike Brown held a mirror in front of his team during practice at the Tarrytown training facility on Tuesday. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026 This is a great week for budgeting without spiraling, making a realistic plan, or committing to something that supports you long-term (not just emotionally, but materially). Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 4 Jan. 2026 Venezuelans deserve the promise of democracy and the rule of law, not a state of endless violence and spiraling disorder. Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2026 The film follows seventeen-year-old Katie Thompson, a troubled teen spiralling after the tragic death of her younger brother – a loss that has left her not only emotionally scarred but also cursed with a disturbing ability to glimpse the world beyond the living. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiraling
Adjective
  • The project will focus on rapid prototyping, spiral development, resilience to electronic warfare, and the ability to scale manufacturing quickly, particularly in the UK.
    Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Medical staff conducted tests and determined the child had a spiral fracture to his left femur, as well as fractures to both tibias that appeared to be in different stages of healing, her arrest affidavit stated.
    Sergio Candido, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Manhattan’s urban grid disappears among the winding paths and dense foliage of Central Park.
    Katie James Watkinson, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026
  • For the youngest visitors, the Castle of Dreams—a two-story sandcastle complete with a winding slide and ambient sound—is a must.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This stellar pasta twists around the black hole like spaghetti around a fork, forming a swirling flow of gas and dust known as an accretion disk that gradually feeds the cosmic titan.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Its swirling indie-pop hooks and jammy prog-rock ideas are practically written with the vision of people dancing around you, their hands raised in the air.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Coil the Hose Keep your hose in good condition for the coming year by coiling it in large, loose loops to avoid kinks.
    Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025
  • Our Stochastic oscillator has been coiling in oversold ( < 20) conditions for a considerable period, suggesting building demand from buyers and a scarcity of outstanding sellers.
    Jay Woods, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Robinson got confused, tried to switch onto the curling Dixon-Waters while his defender, Chuck Bailey III, also trailed him to the wing, leaving Gwath alone under the basket for an easy dunk.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Rentable cabanas along the trail are great for gatherings and s'mores, and weekly sessions of ice bocce (a blend of curling and bocce ball) amp up the fun.
    Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Midwest Living, 4 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • At first glance, the choker reprises the incisions and delicately curving edges meant to evoke Chanel’s distinctive quilting, with a sliding clasp closure to adjust it closely to the neck.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 4 Jan. 2026
  • Later came scores on a free kick and curving corner kick to help account for a 4-0 halftime lead.
    Glae Thien, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Maggie Daley Park Chicago The quarter-mile outdoor skating ribbon in Maggie Daley Park—with 27,500 feet of ice surface—is a looping path with slight elevation changes that curves past pine trees, a rock climbing wall, and a gorgeous city view.
    Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Midwest Living, 4 Jan. 2026
  • But tops aren’t the only clothing item that’s made from inter-looping yarn.
    Julia Guerra, InStyle, 31 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spiraling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spiraling. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

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