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
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2
as in revolving
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 twirling
Those concrete ramps, red girders and twirling towers.
—
James Horncastle, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
American rapper and producer Snoop Dogg received a guard of honor and was greeted with twirling white towels on Tuesday on his first visit to Swansea City since becoming an investor with the Welsh side last year.
—Reuters, NBC news, 25 Feb. 2026
The showing marked a sharp contrast from the 2025 Gala, which had featured less advanced versions of the robots twirling handkerchiefs in a wobbly folk dance.
—Dylan Butts,matthew Chin, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026
Katherine Barkman was a highlight as the first regiment’s baton-twirling majorette; surely Balanchine himself would have delighted in her playful musicality.
—Rachel Howard, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Feb. 2026
Venus, planet of connection, is twirling into your sociable 11th house, enhancing group ties and reminding your independent heart to welcome supportive networks.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Feb. 2026
Chuky said, twirling a thick finger at Adi’s rifle.
—Jonathan Miles, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
The trailer opens with the ominous tones on Also sprach Zarathustra and an image of a Presley nervously twirling his ring and tapping his foot.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 9 Dec. 2025
There was the six-member step team, two girls twirling flags and three more spinning rings.
—Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Nov. 2025
James Horncastle, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
American rapper and producer Snoop Dogg received a guard of honor and was greeted with twirling white towels on Tuesday on his first visit to Swansea City since becoming an investor with the Welsh side last year.
—Reuters, NBC news, 25 Feb. 2026
The showing marked a sharp contrast from the 2025 Gala, which had featured less advanced versions of the robots twirling handkerchiefs in a wobbly folk dance.
—Dylan Butts,matthew Chin, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026
Katherine Barkman was a highlight as the first regiment’s baton-twirling majorette; surely Balanchine himself would have delighted in her playful musicality.
—Rachel Howard, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Feb. 2026
Venus, planet of connection, is twirling into your sociable 11th house, enhancing group ties and reminding your independent heart to welcome supportive networks.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Feb. 2026
Chuky said, twirling a thick finger at Adi’s rifle.
—Jonathan Miles, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
The trailer opens with the ominous tones on Also sprach Zarathustra and an image of a Presley nervously twirling his ring and tapping his foot.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 9 Dec. 2025
There was the six-member step team, two girls twirling flags and three more spinning rings.
—Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for twirling
Verb
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For hands-on creativity, Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert, with rotating exhibitions, engages everyone from toddlers to adults.—
Sophie Morgan,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Mar. 2026
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Behind him, Aaron Gordon was rotating to Austin Reaves to protect against the easiest pass Doncic could make out of a double-team.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Its largest shareholder, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has also changed its investment strategy in the company from capital investment to revolving credit.—
Michael Wayland,
CNBC,
12 Mar. 2026
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At the same time, Solo Brands conducted a credit agreement restructuring that revised Solo Brands’ capital structure with a $90 million revolving facility, a new $240 million term loan, pay-downs of outstanding amounts and an extended maturity to June 30, 2028.—
Mark Curriden,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In one sequence, a solemn Gregorian chant pivots to a tango as Grace and Rocky’s ships connect airlock-to-airlock in spinning orbit.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Mar. 2026
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This, according to Dell, is thanks to larger fans than on previous iterations, with the 18-inch laptop spinning up a 20% larger Cryo-Chamber fan than its predecessor.—
James Peckham,
PC Magazine,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Mateta hit the bar after twisting his body to reach Munoz’s cross, which had been parried by goalkeeper Zlatan Alomerovic.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
11 Mar. 2026
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Apply steady pressure while very gently twisting the knife.—
Rai Mincey,
Southern Living,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The renovation preserves that legacy while layering in modern creature comforts, turning the property into a (functional) homage to mountain history rather than a museum piece.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 Mar. 2026
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Now, 10 years on, people want to know what the holdup has been on turning it into housing.—
John Ramos,
CBS News,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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With rumors swirling about other programs showing interest in him, Elko has proven his commitment to building in Aggieland.—
Tony Catalina,
Austin American Statesman,
17 Mar. 2026
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Arsenal’s frustration continued as the game wore on, with a palpable tension swirling around the Emirates until those dying stages.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The whirling metal blades dominate the front yard with more frenzy movements than a four-year-old rushing to the bathroom.—
Chris John Amorosino,
Hartford Courant,
13 Mar. 2026
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The swirling, whirling mass approaches like a steam train, picking up thousands of tons of matter on its descent, throwing clouds of snow into the air as its gathers speeds of up to 130 kph (80 mph).—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
22 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Twirling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/twirling. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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