1
as in swung
to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis
absentmindedly twirled a lock of her hair around her finger
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in rotated
to move in circles around an axis or center
an ice-skater twirling in place
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of twirled
The pair twirled together onstage before Karagach, 32, stepped in to finish the contemporary routine.
—
Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
As the routine twirled to a close, Olivia ran back, embracing her older brother to thunderous applause.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
For ten days in July, fighter jets roared, infantry exchanged fire in crowded streets, and mobile missile launchers twirled their payloads from sandy beachheads as part of its annual Han Kuang exercises.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
Throughout the years, the company artists have danced on the grass in the museum’s sculpture court or glided and twirled in the natural light that streams from gallery windows.
—Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
The man twirled a weighted knife in his fingers and looked down with cold eyes that quieted the couple.
—Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025
Hartman then twirled his hand as Gudbranson looked up and then put his stick in Gudbranson’s midsection while on the ice.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Chicago Cubs rookie Cade Horton twirled another gem on Tuesday night – this time, at the expense of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Two go-go dancers twirled on a bar behind them.
—Bryan Washington, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2025
Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
As the routine twirled to a close, Olivia ran back, embracing her older brother to thunderous applause.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
For ten days in July, fighter jets roared, infantry exchanged fire in crowded streets, and mobile missile launchers twirled their payloads from sandy beachheads as part of its annual Han Kuang exercises.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
Throughout the years, the company artists have danced on the grass in the museum’s sculpture court or glided and twirled in the natural light that streams from gallery windows.
—Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
The man twirled a weighted knife in his fingers and looked down with cold eyes that quieted the couple.
—Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025
Hartman then twirled his hand as Gudbranson looked up and then put his stick in Gudbranson’s midsection while on the ice.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Chicago Cubs rookie Cade Horton twirled another gem on Tuesday night – this time, at the expense of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Two go-go dancers twirled on a bar behind them.
—Bryan Washington, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for twirled
Verb
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In Manassas Park, Virginia, a city that is nearly 40% Hispanic, the electorate swung 22 points to the left last week for Democratic Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger.—
Halle Troadec,
ABC News,
10 Nov. 2025
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In May, the indictment said, Clase agreed to throw a ball at a certain point in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the batter swung, resulting in a strike, costing the bettors $4,000 in wagers.—
NPR,
NPR,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Williams connected with rookie wide receiver Luther Burden for a 27-yard gain on a comeback route against rookie cornerback Korie Black, who rotated with Deonte Banks throughout the game.—
Dan Duggan,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
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The Patriots have rotated their linebackers next to Robert Spillane all season with Elliss, Jack Gibbens, Marte Mapu and Jahlani Tavai all seeing snaps.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Entertainers tend to bend memory to their advantage; Margolick, contemptuous of myth, straightens the record, especially the legends spun by Mel Brooks, Caesar’s protégé.—
David Denby,
New Yorker,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Shaw spun away and angled a low far-post shot past Lorena, tilting the game toward the visiting team.—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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During every storm, a sunspot had revolved into position near the apparent center of the solar surface, like the turret of a battleship lining up its target.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Also, activity in the consumer discretionary sector revolved largely around megacap stocks—both those that pulled back in September, and those that posted strong rallies.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Ovechkin gathered the puck on his forehand, quickly turned it over to his backhand and whipped it into the net.—
Sean Gentille,
New York Times,
6 Nov. 2025
-
His solo debut, Barbarian, made more than $45 million on a budget of less than $5 million, and now Warners was entrusting the actor turned director with a movie costing eight times that.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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After a Joey Estes fastball came near his head, Robles whirled around and chucked his bat at the pitcher.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Aug. 2025
-
Between events, Diamandis whirled around, making and cementing connections.—
Tad Friend,
New Yorker,
4 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Others said preachers twisted scripture to silence them.—
Mike Hixenbaugh,
NBC news,
30 Oct. 2025
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Late in the second half against the Cowboys, Surtain tried to wrap up Pickens and twisted 360 degrees while trying to bring the wideout down around his upper body.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Since then, Hall's future with the team was in doubt as rumors swirled that the Jets would have the young running back on the trade block, though head coach Aaron Glenn repeatedly expressed his desire to retain Hall.—
Shaun McAvoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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Throughout season 2 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, rumors swirled around whether cast member Demi Engemann cheated on her husband, Bret, while appearing on Vanderpump Villa, a reality series hosted by Lisa Vanderpump.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Twirled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/twirled. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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