1
as in rotating
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
Relevance
2
as in revolving
to move in circles around an axis or center
an ice-skater twirling in place
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 twirling
On any other man, this level of villainy could be mustache-twirling and cartoonish.
—
Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 4 June 2026
The mustache-twirling villain flees, both Half-ATs and full-on AT-AT Walkers come into play, and our hero and Grogu finish the job.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 25 May 2026
Stephens never plays a mustache-twirling sadist, instead carrying himself with the unbearable confidence of a man truly convinced that his version of abuse and even murder is civilized.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 17 May 2026
Emmet Sheehan turned in perhaps his best start of the season Thursday, twirling six innings against the San Francisco Giants.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 16 May 2026
Wow, Rob-Will (Jai Courtney) is a mustache-twirling villain right from the jump!
—William Earl, Variety, 15 May 2026
The flowers of Love-in-a-Mist look like ballerina’s skirts twirling in the breeze.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 12 May 2026
Hands stretched, twirling as if being spun about.
—‘pemi Aguda, Literary Hub, 6 May 2026
These problems are so much more than any one mustache-twirling villain could ever hope to be.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2026
Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 4 June 2026
The mustache-twirling villain flees, both Half-ATs and full-on AT-AT Walkers come into play, and our hero and Grogu finish the job.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 25 May 2026
Stephens never plays a mustache-twirling sadist, instead carrying himself with the unbearable confidence of a man truly convinced that his version of abuse and even murder is civilized.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 17 May 2026
Emmet Sheehan turned in perhaps his best start of the season Thursday, twirling six innings against the San Francisco Giants.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 16 May 2026
Wow, Rob-Will (Jai Courtney) is a mustache-twirling villain right from the jump!
—William Earl, Variety, 15 May 2026
The flowers of Love-in-a-Mist look like ballerina’s skirts twirling in the breeze.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 12 May 2026
Hands stretched, twirling as if being spun about.
—‘pemi Aguda, Literary Hub, 6 May 2026
These problems are so much more than any one mustache-twirling villain could ever hope to be.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for twirling
Verb
-
As heat and humidity returned during the afternoon, the atmosphere rapidly recharged and thunderstorms evolved into rotating supercells capable of producing tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
22 June 2026
-
Supper clubs, rotating potlucks and recurring gatherings have become the way people are eating, connecting and building community again, and when the conversation turns to hosting, one name still anchors it.—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 June 2026
Verb
-
And for those who don't own a home — or who prefer not to borrow against it — personal loans can provide a more affordable alternative to revolving credit card debt, particularly for borrowers with strong credit.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
-
Instead of getting a lump sum, a HELOC offers a revolving line of credit that can be used as needed during a borrowing period, usually five to 10 years.—
Kevin Cerveny,
Kansas City Star,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
But there’s never any intention of protecting somebody, or spinning it in a certain way.—
Kate Aurthur,
Variety,
17 June 2026
-
But everything started with Maradona spinning away from two England players just inside the Argentina half with a lovely piece of skill.—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
Rather than wringing and twisting it to remove the excess water, roll it up in a clean, dry towel and gently squeeze out the water.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
12 June 2026
-
From twisting a bright pink kerchief into a one-shoulder top to slinging another across her hips to create a slit up-to-there skirt, Li found pleasure in the trial-and-error process.—
Diana Tsui,
Footwear News,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
For the tournament, FIFA has introduced a three-minute hydration break in each half, effectively turning the game into four quarters.—
Tom Burrows,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
-
Witnesses saw the plane struggle to gain altitude before turning left, stalling and falling to the ground.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
Rumors then began swirling that Wilde and Pugh clashed on set over creative differences.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
17 June 2026
-
Some other great ways to use it include thinning it with lemon juice and water for a salad dressing, drizzling it over roasted cauliflower or sweet potato, swirling it into a savory oatmeal, or using it as the base for noodle sauces.—
Lauren Panoff,
Verywell Health,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
With the Splash Into Summer there, there were several sprinklers whirling around near several parts of the path giving people a chance to cool off.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2026
-
After seeing his parents vanquished, young Adam is quickly sent by the Sorceress (Morena Baccarin) with his all-powerful sword whirling away to Earth.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Twirling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/twirling. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
