1
as in rotated
to move in circles around an axis or center
spinning on its axis, the Earth makes one complete rotation every 23 hours 56 minutes 4 seconds
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
3
as in twirled
to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis
spun the child around until he was hopelessly dizzy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spun
The Jeep crashed into a patrol car, which spun around and stopped right before hitting the third officer, police said.
—
Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2026
The years have only intensified Zimmerman’s mournful, hushed vocal performance, and Dream Me a Dream often plays out like a bedtime story spun by a beloved elder, accompanied by soft strings, shakers, and even a synth or two.
—Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 19 June 2026
The National Weather Service confirmed a tornadic waterspout spun over Otsego Lake on Tuesday, adding another tornado to a busier-than-average severe weather season in Michigan.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Claude Code spun up a team of 17 researchers.
—Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 18 June 2026
As did lefty MacKenzie Gore, who Toboni spun for a haul of prospects this year.
—Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 17 June 2026
Each time, brown leaves that had drifted from distant trees quivered and spun on the surface.
—Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
After having put Brazil ahead minutes earlier, Richarlison popped a cross from Vinícius Júnior into the air, spun, and struck a spectacular acrobatic volley past Serbia’s helpless goalkeeper.
—Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 June 2026
And then, her par putt on 18 – measured at 2 feet, 10 inches – spun tantalizingly around the rim of the cup before dropping in and ending the suspense.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 8 June 2026
Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2026
The years have only intensified Zimmerman’s mournful, hushed vocal performance, and Dream Me a Dream often plays out like a bedtime story spun by a beloved elder, accompanied by soft strings, shakers, and even a synth or two.
—Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 19 June 2026
The National Weather Service confirmed a tornadic waterspout spun over Otsego Lake on Tuesday, adding another tornado to a busier-than-average severe weather season in Michigan.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Claude Code spun up a team of 17 researchers.
—Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 18 June 2026
As did lefty MacKenzie Gore, who Toboni spun for a haul of prospects this year.
—Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 17 June 2026
Each time, brown leaves that had drifted from distant trees quivered and spun on the surface.
—Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
After having put Brazil ahead minutes earlier, Richarlison popped a cross from Vinícius Júnior into the air, spun, and struck a spectacular acrobatic volley past Serbia’s helpless goalkeeper.
—Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 June 2026
And then, her par putt on 18 – measured at 2 feet, 10 inches – spun tantalizingly around the rim of the cup before dropping in and ending the suspense.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 8 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spun
Verb
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The main screen onstage also rotated through his music videos and provided colorful backdrops to go with the themes of his songs.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
13 June 2026
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Away from chips, Cardinal Health has rallied more than 8% as the market briefly rotated into non-AI names.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
12 June 2026
Verb
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His father, John, swam for the Spartans.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2026
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Finally, Dick swam past the other horses and headed for the opposite bank.—
Dolores Brown,
Outdoor Life,
17 June 2026
Verb
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Andrew Johnson twirled another postseason gem.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
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Players twirled napkins over their heads.—
Paul Tenorio,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
Verb
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Amid the bigger picture — of which there are many at the moment — Keshad Johnson stands as a reminder that this also is a time of year when the NBA’s small stuff has to be revolved.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
11 June 2026
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Mark had hired a photographer and revolved the engagement around a special place close to both his and Jess' hearts, so postponing the proposal wouldn't do anyone any favors.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
PEOPLE,
27 May 2026
Verb
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So Anikpo, a psychiatric physician assistant, didn't think to discuss the crackdown with their 9-year-old son Zeke, even as helicopters whirled over their South Minneapolis neighborhood.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 May 2026
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Before Kate could respond, Emily whirled around and disappeared inside the house.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026
Verb
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The lawsuit, filed on Saturday in the Central District of California, claims that the supermodel turned media personality participated in a 3½-hour interview, of which about 16 minutes was used.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
16 June 2026
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Salah turned 34 today, with several fans bringing signs to the stadium in his honor.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
16 June 2026
Verb
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The pendulum never really swung away from maximizing shareholder value.—
Steve Denning,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
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The turnover swung the momentum in Minnesota’s favor.—
Jordan Puente,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Verb
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Charlotte's white hair bow at Trooping marked her largest of the hair accessories so far, and her locks were twisted near the bow.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
13 June 2026
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The New York Times last week reported about his relationships with previous girlfriends, one of whom said Platner twisted her arm during an argument and locked her in a room.—
Patrick Whittle,
Fortune,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spun. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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