swirls 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of swirl
1
as in stirs
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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2
as in twirls
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

swirls

2 of 2

noun

plural of swirl

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 swirls
Verb
The galaxy's heart shines brightly in the image, with gleaming rays of light radiating from its center while gas and dust swirls around. Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 19 May 2026 Longoria’s approach to the wild fervour that continually swirls around the Velodrome was to try to harness it by hiring comparably combustible coaches like Jorge Sampaoli, Igor Tudor, Gennaro Gattuso and De Zerbi. Tom Williams, New York Times, 17 May 2026 To load the product onto the brush, Barnes swirls the tool into the pan twice and taps it twice to prevent fallout. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2025 The lights are dim and jazzy music swirls the intimate crowd. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025 Energy has had a tremendous five-year run, but investors have been cautious in 2025 as uncertainty swirls around policymakers. Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swirls
Verb
  • The Aries Moon stirs home and family matters, so emotional safety matters as much as the agreement itself.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026
  • Its movement still stirs something elemental, equal parts comfort and awe.
    Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • The Manchester City taliswoman then twirls her arm before knee sliding in front of the travelling fans.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • Elmer Rodríguez twirls a against his former team while representing Puerto Rico.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Dull says that the redesign will eliminate eddies inside the dam, increasing efficiency and saving the lives of juvenile salmon who might get stuck inside.
    D. Hunter Reardon, USA Today, 3 June 2026
  • That uses the aerodisc wheels, each machined from a single piece of aluminum and designed to minimize range-sapping eddies and wakes by funneling the air like a turbine.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 26 May 2026
Verb
  • After each print, the machine washes the leftover pigment from its gears, turning the once distinctly red and blue dyes into an oozing purple liquid.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 6 June 2026
  • Or take Doofy Gilmore (Dave Sheridan), a lisping dimwit geek who washes with his own spit.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • In addition to its signature chocolate and vanilla custard, guests can also try the Flavor of the Day, which rotates regularly, apart from the beloved Wedding Cake Wednesday that frequently makes an appearance.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 6 June 2026
  • The tumbler’s leakproof lid also rotates for three comfortable sipping positions.
    Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • Boston gets a lot of attention for its classics—lobster rolls, Boston cream pie, clam chowder.
    Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 June 2026
  • The menu includes pho with 24-hour beef broth, vermicelli bowls and small plates like Saigon crunch rolls and shrimp-avocado spring rolls.
    John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026
  • For a moment, the mood turns sour.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026
  • The earliest wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano were apparently much smaller than the car-tire-sized ones that are standard now, but no less coveted.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Swirls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swirls. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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