Thesaurus results for SWIRL

swirl 1 of 2

verb

ˈswər(-ə)l

Definition of swirl

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

After dating rumors began to swirl in 2012, the pair took a brief break before reuniting in 2014. — Alexandra Schonfeld, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 Another survivor, Ram Chandra, described gripping onto rungs of the ceiling to make his way out of the tunnel as water, concrete and debris swirled around him. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026

Noun

In one play, there was relief, there was redemption, and there was a swirl of emotion. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2026 Add a pat of butter or squiggle of olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for swirl

Recent Examples of Synonyms for swirl

Verb

Gizelle, who has been stirring the pot and playing producer for everyone on the trip, keeps up her conniving ways by sitting down all the RHOP ladies except for Candiace during their Potomac retrospective moment at the party.

— Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
The Moon enters adventurous Leo, stirring your interest in travel, education, or an idea that could expand your options.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of stir

Noun

This hand that was as familiar to me as my own — the hand that, two hours earlier, had passed me a roll of toilet paper through the crack of our bathroom door — now felt strangely new.

— Johanna Stein, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
And don’t forget the unlimited yeast rolls served with cinnamon honey butter.

— Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of roll

Verb

The company’s experts realized that, if the tapestry could not be rotated and stored, perhaps it could be stored and then rotated.

— John Phipps, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026
Bar Blondeau holds Sunday Sessions, a weekly wine and music party featuring a rotating slate of local musical talent and guest sommeliers.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of rotate

Noun

The Cubs will avoid facing Chris Sale in this series and have a chance to do damage against the back end of the Braves rotation.

— Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
His presence could give the team four solid pitchers in the rotation to take on any team.

— David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of rotation

Verb

Marie has been reduced to a low-pressure system that is still spinning offshore and sending a deep tropical air mass to the Southern California region, said climate scientist Daniel Swain.

— Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
DJs spun Wasian musicians, including Rodrigo, Mitski, and Japanese Breakfast.

— E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of spin

Noun

The drive traverses the Bear River Mountains (a northern branch of the Wasatch), passing aspen groves, limestone cliffs, and the whitewater eddies of the Logan River along the way.

— Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 2026
Tzikas pointed to the San Juan Rapids, Clay Banks and Sailor Bar areas as those with stronger currents and eddies that can throw individuals from their rafts and paddleboards or submerge them before shooting them rapidly downstream.

— Reeti Malhotra July 10, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of eddy

Verb

Meanwhile, two sauna masters shovelled ice infused with fragrant oil onto the rocks and performed an Aufguss, a German ritual in which towels are twirled to spread scented air.

— Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2026
The pair were visibly emotional as Sulewski posed and twirled in the dress.

— Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of twirl

Browse Nearby Words

swiping

swirl

swirled

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Swirl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swirl. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of swirl

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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