Synonyms of swirling

swirling 1 of 2

adjective

as in spiraling

Related Words

• spiraling
• circling
• spiral
• coiled
• coiling
• looping
• zigzag
• twisting
• indirect
• twisted
• corkscrew
• zigzagging
• winding
• serpentine
• curved
• sinuous
• curving
• tortuous
• roundabout
• bending
• circuitous
• curled
• curling
• wandering
• curvy
• crooked
• jagged
• windy
• devious
• crazy
• rambling
• meandering
• uneven
• irregular

Dissimilar Words

• straight
• direct
• linear
• straightaway

swirling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of swirl

1

as in stirring

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

• stirring
• churning
• washing
• whirling
• shaking
• agitating
• whisking
• whipping
• reeling
• beating
• paddling
• wheeling

2

as in rotating

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

• rotating
• twirling
• spinning
• twisting
• swinging
• turning
• whirling
• rolling
• revolving
• swiveling
• pivoting
• wheeling
• winding
• screwing
• reeling
• circulating
• cranking
• unscrewing
• coiling
• twiddling

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of swirling

Adjective

The sun has come up to reveal Hurricane Isaias and its swirling clouds above the Gulf’s record-warm water. — Kate S. Petersen, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026

Get ahead of the trend cycle with a swirling cake stand from Fazeek, or add heritage icons, like Bordallo Pinheiro’s cabbage-ware, to your tabletop. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026

An early tour of his estate, provided by the swirling camerawork of Emmanuel Lubezki, reveals a catalogue of crimes against the animal kingdom, with antlers and furs festooning every surface. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026

Another highlight is the custom leather ceiling in the owner’s suite, which showcases a swirling pattern like a lollipop’s. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2026

Set a timer for two to five minutes and write freely, with no structure or polish required, to give swirling thoughts somewhere to land. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026

With bright colors and bold, swirling lines, his vivid imagery captured the era’s infectious optimism. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

The process also keeps the sand in a perpetual swirling motion that contrasts beautifully with the still surface. — Savannah Born, Travel + Leisure, 17 Sep. 2026

One thing to keep in mind with all the swirling headlines is that the AI buildout has been supply constrained. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026

Verb

With these conspiracy theories swirling, some researchers are now seeing the models more as competitors than tools—and the use of them as a betrayal. — Peter Hall, Scientific American, 13 Oct. 2026

And while there are questions swirling about Akayleb Evans and whether Evans will be replaced by Chau Smith-Wade, one player didn’t get the same scrutiny. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2026

While pieces fashioned from metal, including brass and iron, are an obvious choice, the motif can also take shape in bright colors, swirling abstract glass, or more vampy furniture–see, House of Hackney’s black velvet chair. — Hannah Coates, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026

Dramatic footage showed the tornado swirling through the city, sending debris flying as powerful winds battered the area. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Rumors are swirling that Amazon has already tapped Jack Lowden, star of Slow Horses and husband to Ronan, to be the next 007. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2026

Inside the prayer hall, the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet unfurls with swirling floral patterns, and chandeliers echo date palms and blossoms. — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026

Despite the extensive commentary swirling around the burros, surprisingly little is known about the herd itself. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

The song runs along a bouncing track with airy melodies swirling throughout each verse. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026