spun

past tense of spin
1
2
as in swam
to be in a confused state as if from being twirled around my head spun as I contemplated all the possible problems this restructuring could cause

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 spun Jones appeared to target Bourne, who spun the opposite way of Jones’ throw. Cam Inman, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025 Richards, therefore, was on an island with Valencia, who spun him around and finished expertly. Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 Off of a double handoff in the backfield, sophomore Christian Simmons shed a few would-be tacklers, then spun his way to pay dirt for a 13-yard touchdown scamper. Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 11 Oct. 2025 Pop was always premised on replay value—but no matter how many times someone spun their CD of Bedtime Stories, Madonna received money only from the initial sale. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025 When these fibers are spun, these properties affect the yarn outcome. Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 9 Oct. 2025 His belief spun within the rapidly moving breeze of a college football trend of skill position players, especially receivers, taking the field and starring as freshmen. Noah White, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2025 Combs, the Bad Boy Records founder who spun his music, media, and beverage businesses into a billion-dollar fortune, was convicted on July 2 of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025 Once dry, hats-in-process undergo a second blocking to further impress the shape, and are then crown-ironed, which sees the hats spun on pads heated to 250 degrees while being brushed to ensure its fur runs in a single direction. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spun
Verb
  • Lifeguards Steve Ayers, Maddie Gamette, Kailey Bayanat, Masen Karsten, Samuel Muller and Brandon Tran rotated while providing 35 minutes of CPR in the open ocean, timing their compressions with the rise and fall of the boat.
    Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Tires need to be properly inflated and rotated regularly.
    Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The archives stated that after the attack, more than 1,000 POWs ended up in the water as the ship sank, and many of them swam toward land, where Japanese military recaptured a lot.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Carter swam inside behind Ojomo and had a clear path to Mayfield.
    Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Hartman then twirled his hand as Gudbranson looked up and then put his stick in Gudbranson’s midsection while on the ice.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Chicago Cubs rookie Cade Horton twirled another gem on Tuesday night – this time, at the expense of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Also, activity in the consumer discretionary sector revolved largely around megacap stocks—both those that pulled back in September, and those that posted strong rallies.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
  • For her take on enduring Grease style, Bieber revolved her going-out look around a boxy moto jacket—one of her signature wardrobe staples.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • After a Joey Estes fastball came near his head, Robles whirled around and chucked his bat at the pitcher.
    Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Between events, Diamandis whirled around, making and cementing connections.
    Tad Friend, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Ohtani swung through it and struck out swinging at three consecutive pitches.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Ferrari’s announcement is more evidence that the pendulum has swung swiftly the other way.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • After a strong drive, Southwest turned the ball over on downs.
    Raul Avila, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The couple later turned the building into their family home.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Each garment has twisted side seams and inseams that create a distinctive silhouette.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Like Carson, Letterman negotiated control of the time slot after his program to create The Late Late Show, where hosts ranging from Craig Ferguson to James Corden twisted the format to serve their tastes in ways Letterman had become too big to attempt.
    Eric Deggans, NPR, 13 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spun. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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