Thesaurus results for SWIRL

swirl 1 of 2

verb

ˈswər(-ə)l

as in to stir

to cause (as a liquid) to move about in a circle especially repeatedly kept swirling her lemonade until the ice had melted and it was completely watered down

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to turn

to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis swirled her skirts as she danced the tango

Synonyms & Similar Words

swirl

2 of 2

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 swirl

Verb

Hamilton Lane shares have plunged nearly 22% in 2026 as concerns over asset managers' exposure to a potential private credit crisis have swirled. —

Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2026 Rumors of a feud initially began swirling around the stars after Earle’s podcast Hot Mess exited Unwell — a media network started and operated by Cooper — in March 2025. —

Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026

Noun

For Young, the projects are intertwined, with his past and future colliding in a swirl of acrylic shells, nostalgia, and high-definition spectacle. —

Jeff Miller, Rolling Stone, 3 Apr. 2026 Bucknor, 63, found himself in another swirl of controversy as the first-base umpire on Tuesday. —

Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for swirl

Recent Examples of Synonyms for swirl

Verb

Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and bake, stirring halfway through, until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.

— Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
Ken writes like a poet, gushing about his love for dinosaurs and making a stirring argument for why studying dinosaurs means something.

— Steve Brusatte, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2026