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
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
The 17-second TikTok shows the stars swaying and twirling together amid a group of dancers at Broken Spoke.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025
At its center is a 30-foot ferris wheel with twirling elements including a sun and moon, and 28 mechanical butterflies with beating wings flitting among colorful flowers.
—Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 14 Nov. 2025
The towels started twirling again.
—D’joumbarey Moreau, Miami Herald, 5 Nov. 2025
The loudest section left belonged to a group of shirtless men twirling their shirts overhead as Colorado trailed 52-14.
—Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
After spinning, flipping and twirling their hearts out, the pair received a score of 34 from the judges.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2025
Up-and-comer status gifted el Khaleel’s group, Mantronix, with the glory of a four-hundred-dollar gig at the rec center, home to youth basketball games, baton-twirling competitions, after-school child care, and — on occasion — community concerts.
—Jeff Pearlman, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
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
The 17-second TikTok shows the stars swaying and twirling together amid a group of dancers at Broken Spoke.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025
At its center is a 30-foot ferris wheel with twirling elements including a sun and moon, and 28 mechanical butterflies with beating wings flitting among colorful flowers.
—Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 14 Nov. 2025
The towels started twirling again.
—D’joumbarey Moreau, Miami Herald, 5 Nov. 2025
The loudest section left belonged to a group of shirtless men twirling their shirts overhead as Colorado trailed 52-14.
—Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
After spinning, flipping and twirling their hearts out, the pair received a score of 34 from the judges.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2025
Up-and-comer status gifted el Khaleel’s group, Mantronix, with the glory of a four-hundred-dollar gig at the rec center, home to youth basketball games, baton-twirling competitions, after-school child care, and — on occasion — community concerts.
—Jeff Pearlman, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for twirling
Verb
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Live music adds to the evening energy, particularly on weekends, with rotating performers across Paralía, Luma, the lobby, and the Rum Bar.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 Jan. 2026
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Every Monday night, Bica hosts an industry night with rotating guest chefs.—
Carlos Rico,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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While some pay off the balance each month, roughly 60% of credit card users have revolving debt, the New York Fed said.—
Stephanie Dhue,Sharon Epperson,Jessica Dickler,
CNBC,
12 Jan. 2026
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With that, Wrigley announced a plan to have the team run by a revolving college of coaches.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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After more than a week of silence on the slopes, the lifts are spinning again at Telluride Ski Resort.—
Spencer Wilson,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
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Far from turning on her, the audience awards her with a head-spinning third applause break in just 50 seconds.—
John Roy,
Vulture,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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For a harder version, try shoulder taps, which involve tapping alternate shoulders in the plank position without twisting.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
13 Jan. 2026
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Continuing to criticize him unfairly by twisting facts just showcases your personal bias against him.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Just south of downtown Minneapolis, Rachel Dionne Thunder is one of many members of the Indigenous community turning their wheel and pushing the peddle on patrol.—
Frankie McLister,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
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As Bridgerton fans prepare to return to the Ton and Lady Whistledown’s latest round of society gossip, the Shonda Rhimes show’s latest leading lady is putting a head-turning twist on Regency-era fashion.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Rumors of the production had been swirling on social media, with Deadline first reporting back in December that development was in early stages and that producers were targeting a summer 2027 run at the Barbican Theatre in London.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
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Stockton City Council entered its first meeting of the year swirling with conversations about results from the Wild N' Out investigation, unanimously voting to accept the city attorney's resignation, and discussion on naming Stockton a Compassionate City.—
Charlie Lapastora,
CBS News,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Though lazy Susans are better known for their utility on the table, consider getting one for more flexibility and succinct storage space within corner cabinets for whirling out pots and pans.—
Alex Ronan,
Architectural Digest,
1 Jan. 2026
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Dru Smith remains a whirling dervish on defense, delivering three more steals.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
27 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Twirling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/twirling. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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