twist 1 of 2

noun

Definition of twistnext
1
as in twisting
a forceful rotating or pulling motion for the purpose of dislodging something with a forceful twist she loosened the bolt

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2
as in trick
an odd or peculiar habit my roommate has his little twists, and I have mine, so things should balance out

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

twist

2 of 2

verb

ˈtwist How to pronounce twist (audio)
1
as in to distort
to change so much as to create a wrong impression or alter the meaning of my enemies will twist my words, but you'll only hear the truth out of me

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2
as in to curl
to follow a circular or spiral course the path gently twisted down the hill

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3
as in to spin
to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis twisted my wrist around to stretch it

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4
as in to pull
to move by or as if by a forceful rotation kept twisting the cap until it came free

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5
as in to twitch
to make jerky or restless movements the dental patient twisted nervously in the chair

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6
as in to weave
to cause to twine about one another has the habit of idly twisting the strands of her hair while daydreaming

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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 twist
Noun
Rather than sticking to traditional off-white or ivory, the collection also includes muted shades like hay, hazelnut, and olive, giving sheer linen curtains a richer, more unexpected twist. — Nina Derwin, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026 Indeed, high concept world-building and twists on genre archetypes are notable hallmarks of the Toronto showcase titles, which cut deep into edgy untold stories and contemporary angst around identity. — Jennie Punter, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
Throughout the special, Scovel repeatedly invites his viewers to see his act in one way, twists the material back on itself, and then mock-angrily confronts the crowd for their inappropriate reaction. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026 But some of what twists in Season 3 is the soundscape, which Condal wanted to have a slightly different, more unstable character. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for twist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for twist
  1. tug
  2. trick
  3. distort
  4. curl
  5. spin
  6. pull
  7. twitch
  8. weave
Noun
  • The games consisted of various team activities, including tug of war, dodgeball, kickball, as well as individual endurance tests and an obstacle course.
    — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The perfect dog needed to love balls or tug toys, be neurotic and extremely obsessive.
    — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of tug
Noun
  • Kluivert notched a hat-trick in the 10-1 thrashing of Italy’s Genoa, with Scott, Unal (two goals each) and David Brooks scoring too.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The trick is to hold the can 8 to 10 inches away, and spray in short bursts.
    — Iman Balagam, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of trick
Verb
  • This can, in turn, distort their expectations of real relationships.
    — Megan Kelly, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The layer can distort incoming starlight before sensors can process it.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of distort
Verb
  • Deyna Castellanos gave Portland the lead in the 58th minute with a curling shot from a tight angle.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • But in the first swing of the match, Nakashima botched his first serve, and on his second, Shelton sent a booming 97 mph lefty forehand down the line that curled into the court to earn the break.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of curl
Verb
  • That was a move partly instigated to develop a new crop of fast bowlers, but a home series defeat to Bangladesh two years ago and the loss of the first Test to England in October 2024 prompted the PCB to switch to spin-friendly tracks.
    — Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • His approach, and the propaganda machine that has spun it as a law-and-order success story, has turned Bukele into an international figure, and cast leaders like Petro and Cepeda, who helped design Petro’s strategy, as soft on crime.
    — Daniel Castro, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of spin
Verb
  • Disney pulled a series of strategic levers to get people through their park gates at a time when many are being choosy about how to spend their dollars, according to industry analysts.
    — Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Another moment was marked by mourning, as a man was pulled from a building in the same city, lifeless and covered in a white blanket.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of pull
Verb
  • The muscles in Lola Petticrew’s face twitch ever so slightly, indicating Catherine’s excitement that the police are now in possession of this picture.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Green said his symptoms began when his feet started twitching in his sleep.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
Definition of twitch
Verb
  • Video from the incident showed the car smashing into vehicles while weaving through traffic as it was followed by several troopers heading toward Milton.
    — Mike Toole, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The craftsmanship continues upstairs, where jamdani fabrics and wallpapers in the primary bedroom celebrate the ancient Bengal art of weaving fine diaphanous textiles, embodying the showroom’s dedication to materiality, artistry, and the human hand.
    — AD PRO, Architectural Digest, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of weave

Phrases Containing twist

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twirls
twist
twisted
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Cite this Entry

“Twist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/twist. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on twist

Nglish: Translation of twist for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about twist

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