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

Also amid the swirling news cycle, the Kentucky senator's youngest daughter, Porter McConnell, deleted her social media account on X, according to the Independent. — Gabrielle Banks, USA Today, 10 July 2026

The cornerstone of Boards classics is a blurring retrofuturism achieved via swirling and clashing sample, synth, and guitar textures. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 July 2026

The idea of moving into a smaller space, or even scaling back decades of belongings, is often accompanied by a swirling sea of complicated feelings. — Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 7 July 2026

Is there a way for a non-Jew to see past the swirling, anti-Jewish conspiracy theories and debates about Israel and actually learn something from Judaism that could improve their lives? — John Blake, CNN Money, 5 July 2026

However, the situation for gas giants is somewhat more complicated because of their swirling atmospheres. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 July 2026

Scrape banana cream mixture on top of cake and spread out until nearly to edges, swooping and swirling decoratively. — Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026

Despite the swirling attention, brand collaborations and the hopes of millions riding on her shoulders, Eala remains notably grounded. — Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

According to Minerva, creating these luxurious sets starts with sketching the signature swirling line work in black. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 29 June 2026

Verb

This entire scene is terrifically tense, kicking off with a stunning shot of the two women standing in defensive positions on the golf course, birds swirling ominously in the cloudy sky above. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 15 July 2026

The rumors that Travis Kelce is about to retire have been swirling for a while. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 14 July 2026

In the hours after Graham’s death was announced, South Carolina’s Republican circles were already swirling with rumors about possible replacements. — Meg Kinnard, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026

The pool party is the latest in a string of misleading images swirling around the disappearance and death of 18-year-old Wells. — Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 13 July 2026

The rumor mill about who will take the mantle (or gun, cool car, and nifty gadgets) is currently swirling with leading names, including Callum Turner, Harris Dickinson, and Jacob Elordi. — Emily Maskell, IndieWire, 10 July 2026

With these questions swirling, many are now looking around for someone to blame — and are not coming up with any obvious answers. — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 10 July 2026

James might not have been as interested in joining the Cavaliers with that drama swirling around them. — Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Let’s unpeel all of the layers of this summer’s chaos swirling around offer sheets and what could come next. — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 6 July 2026