swirl 1 of 4

1
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

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2
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

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swirl

2 of 4

noun

swirling

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adjective

swirling

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verb (2)

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

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
Questions about trades based on nonpublic information have swirled around Congress for years and began anew after Trump’s tariffs announcements led to wild swings in the market. Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 22 May 2025 Officials said the university also is selling off some of its unused property, including the site of the former Strongbow Inn, which the university purchased two years ago as controversy swirled on campus and beyond about the artwork sale. Amy Lavalley, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025
Noun
Don’t skip dessert here: Opt for a swirl of homemade vanilla soft-serve ice cream or a slice of decadent chocolate pie. Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 10 May 2025 Harris’ choice of pearl earrings for their first debate last September caused a swirl on social media. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for swirl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swirl
Noun
  • The roll comes already dipped with soy sauce, so resist the urge to dunk each piece before taking a bite.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025
  • Call me sacrilegious, but there’s one place that a King’s Hawaiian roll tastes even better than the altar rail, and that’s at the beach.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • As these large-cap altcoins appreciate, further capital rotation occurs into mid-cap and smaller-cap altcoins.
    Cloris Chen, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • The Royals replaced Singer in the rotation with left-hander Kris Bubic.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • An eddy, or area of rolling, developed in each of these rings and caused the debris to clump up in a snowball effect.
    Alexander E. Gates, The Conversation, 5 May 2025
  • The pattern continues at smaller and smaller scales until molecular collisions eventually prevent eddies from forming.
    Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Our planet itself is located along one of the galaxy’s spiral arms, about halfway from the center, according to NASA.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • String beads together and secure the string in a spiral shape, or melt them in circular patterns—creator’s choice.
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Urban sky-gazers take a contemporary spin on this Neolithic astronomy concept by pinpointing days when the sun seems to rise or set between a canyon of skyscrapers.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Outside Online, 27 May 2025
  • Bluey is being given a German spin with a dose of star power.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • Swirling opens up the wine’s aromas, so give your glass a little twirl before sticking your nose in.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
  • The tight, shiny skin weeps an oily iridescence that tints the light around the woman as she twirls, evidently delighted by her affliction.
    Raven Brunner, People.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • No industry is immune to the AI revolution, but how are brands using this technology to make consumer experiences better?
    Angus McDonald, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • The most recent casualties in the wearable wars were supposed to herald the AI hardware revolution.
    Jackie Snow, Quartz, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • The 6-pound test monofilament line started peeling off the reel as the light drag screamed.
    Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 22 May 2025
  • Rush offense will show up on the highlight reels throughout the regular season, but forechecking offense can make the biggest difference in May and June.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Swirl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swirl. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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