swirls 1 of 2

Definition of swirlsnext
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
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 But as the trial date approaches and uncertainty swirls over what the lawsuit could mean for the future of stock car racing, many of the team owners expressed a feeling of urgency to see the litigation resolved and indicated the current charter system was vital for their continued existence. Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 4 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
  • In a cave that sheltered freedom seekers along the Underground Railroad, their uncle shares a story of a creature that stirs at night.
    William Earl, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Where the pre-retroshade plants seeds and the retrograde stirs them up, the post-retroshade is where clarity arrives and choices get made.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Elmer Rodríguez twirls a against his former team while representing Puerto Rico.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Shauna Martel, a teaching assistant at the Osher Map Library twirls a massive globe around and points to Australia.
    Jackie Northam, NPR, 7 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • The dirt of the desert is circling around in little eddies as the wind blends it together with the starlight.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 16 Jan. 2026
  • In a more complicated setup, gentle currents might merge into whirlpools and eddies.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Rain washes hazardous chemicals out of the atmosphere in a relatively short period of time, experts said, but people exposed to black rain should take precautions to avoid health risks, both short-term and long-term.
    Tammy Webber, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026
  • And believe me, a person who receives warmth, love, and care from us—who washes and styles their hair—is someone who walks back into the world feeling confident, inspired, and ready to spread kindness further.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Many expect the English forward to start as Liam Rosenior rotates his squad.
    Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The collar rotates 360 degrees and uses a thumb screw to set it and lock it into place.
    Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Nevertheless, the ballot measure passed, and conservative votes were strategically shifted into new districts, increasing the number of Republicans on voter rolls while narrowing the margin favorable to Democrats in the district.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Bread and rolls, for example, appear on the menu.
    Jenna Thompson March 27, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Over the course of the show, their survival relationship turns into a strange, human relationship.
    Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2026
  • McConnell, who turns 37 next month, was officially introduced as the 28th head coach in Saint Mary’s history on Wednesday, succeeding Bennett, who left the school after 25 years to become Arizona State’s next head coach.
    Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Each hard-sided bag has 360-degree spinner wheels, a 3-in-1 cupholder, a USB port and a phone holder for ultimate convenience.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The wheels kick up a cloud of dust from the parchment-dry terrain.
    Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Swirls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swirls. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.

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