1
as in twistings
a forceful rotating or pulling motion for the purpose of dislodging something
with a forceful twist she loosened the bolt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in tricks
an odd or peculiar habit
my roommate has his little twists, and I have mine, so things should balance out
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in distorts
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in curls
to follow a circular or spiral course
the path gently twisted down the hill
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
4
as in pulls
to move by or as if by a forceful rotation
kept twisting the cap until it came free
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in squirms
to make jerky or restless movements
the dental patient twisted nervously in the chair
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in weaves
to cause to twine about one another
has the habit of idly twisting the strands of her hair while daydreaming
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 twists
Matt Grobar, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026
Then again, few people have careers with as many twists as American figure skater Alysa Liu.
—Sharyn Alfonsi, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
Its rapid-fire storytelling and plot twists kept viewers under compulsion for eight seasons, paving the way for several successful spinoffs.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Jan. 2026
Adapted from the titular national treasure’s The Seven Dials Mystery by Broadchurch’s Chris Chibnall, this is a reassuringly old-school, three-part potboiler packed with witty quips and startling twists.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2026
Injury report The Heat’s injury report for Saturday features a few twists, including Keshad Johnson being sent to the G League for the first time this season.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 2 Jan. 2026
This recipe gives due credit to the chef's famous dish with our own twists.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
But what's really cool is how the movie brings those story lines together in a narrative filled with intriguing twists, gnarly kills, heroic sacrifices and a slew of nifty new Predator designs.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
On November 7, the pop stars were seen out and about in New York City, both dressed for a night on the town with autumnal twists.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 8 Nov. 2025
Alan Bradley, Space.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Still, there’s something unsettling about a creature with an on-off button and a spine that twists under your fingers.
—Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2025
Bonitzer twists those facts into a story of clashing egos and huge commissions, with André doing his best to broker a sale while respecting the wishes of the paintings’ rightful heirs, as well of those of his money-hungry employer.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2025
Garments construction enhances the story—from wave seams adding a sense of fluidity to structures to knots and twists altering shapes.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 21 Oct. 2025
And now, one such creation slithers, squeezes, and twists through the narrowest corners.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
As their relationship twists into abuse and control, Darya makes a daring escape — only to discover Sam has ordered her death.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2025
The handle twists at a 90-degree angle to become a high-speed hair dryer, but locked into its upright position, the device converts into a self-winding curling iron, a frizz-smoothing paddle brush, and a volume-building oval brush.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Having the most would-be glamorous member of the staff drawn into thinking a photo of Josh Holloway represents her new online boyfriend twists Michael Scott–like behavior into something that feels more keyed into this specific world of small-scale media.
—Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
Behind the Winchesters’ closed doors lies a world of shocking twists that will leave you guessing until the very end.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026
Then again, few people have careers with as many twists as American figure skater Alysa Liu.
—Sharyn Alfonsi, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
Its rapid-fire storytelling and plot twists kept viewers under compulsion for eight seasons, paving the way for several successful spinoffs.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Jan. 2026
Adapted from the titular national treasure’s The Seven Dials Mystery by Broadchurch’s Chris Chibnall, this is a reassuringly old-school, three-part potboiler packed with witty quips and startling twists.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2026
Injury report The Heat’s injury report for Saturday features a few twists, including Keshad Johnson being sent to the G League for the first time this season.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 2 Jan. 2026
This recipe gives due credit to the chef's famous dish with our own twists.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
But what's really cool is how the movie brings those story lines together in a narrative filled with intriguing twists, gnarly kills, heroic sacrifices and a slew of nifty new Predator designs.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
On November 7, the pop stars were seen out and about in New York City, both dressed for a night on the town with autumnal twists.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
Brightburn also twists the family dynamic to expose a parent's worst fear, that their power and authority over their children is completely illusory.
—Alan Bradley, Space.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Still, there’s something unsettling about a creature with an on-off button and a spine that twists under your fingers.
—Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2025
Bonitzer twists those facts into a story of clashing egos and huge commissions, with André doing his best to broker a sale while respecting the wishes of the paintings’ rightful heirs, as well of those of his money-hungry employer.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2025
Garments construction enhances the story—from wave seams adding a sense of fluidity to structures to knots and twists altering shapes.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 21 Oct. 2025
And now, one such creation slithers, squeezes, and twists through the narrowest corners.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
As their relationship twists into abuse and control, Darya makes a daring escape — only to discover Sam has ordered her death.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2025
The handle twists at a 90-degree angle to become a high-speed hair dryer, but locked into its upright position, the device converts into a self-winding curling iron, a frizz-smoothing paddle brush, and a volume-building oval brush.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Having the most would-be glamorous member of the staff drawn into thinking a photo of Josh Holloway represents her new online boyfriend twists Michael Scott–like behavior into something that feels more keyed into this specific world of small-scale media.
—Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for twists
Noun
-
Cherki is visibly excited by his spectators, eager to show off his tricks, until a coach comes into frame on the YouTube video and tells them their fun is over.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Cheo was a jokester and would play tricks on her, like pretending to be asleep, to lighten the mood.—
Kevin G. Hall,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
This dynamic suppresses wages and distorts labor competition.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Expecting others to adapt to us is a selfish gesture that distorts the spirit of travel.—
Wilson Santiago Burgos,
USA Today,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Nov. 2025
-
And in the fall, when the air turns crisp and the fields turn orange, this unassuming little town reminds visitors that sometimes, the most unique places grow from the simplest seeds (pun intended).—
Karthika Gupta,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Tankaneo Long Trench Coat A long trench instantly pulls any outfit together, and this one does it with a fresh, fashion-forward edge.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The cheese pulls everything together, giving it an extra salty and savory depth.—
Stephanie Ganz,
Southern Living,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
When Brian and Murtagh report that Dougal offended the Grants and Colum had to promise Ellen’s hand to appease the situation, Lord Lovat squirms.—
Lincee Ray Published,
EW.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Directed by Kewsong Lee Artistic Director Lear deBessonet (Once Upon a Mattress, Into the Woods), the musical weaves fictional narratives with real historical figures and events.—
Erik Pedersen,
Deadline,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The Gran Vilaya Trek weaves a tapestry of natural and cultural wonders, winding through more than 30 miles of ancient cloud forests and pre-Incan archaeological remains.—
Ally Jaksen,
Outside,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Less obvious is how the Earth itself tugs at the solid rocky surface of the moon.—
Nola Taylor Tillman,
Space.com,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Throughout his time at the Palace, several women have reported feeling tugs on their hair or having the sensation that someone is lingering right over their shoulder.—
Maggie Menderski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Published in Aerospace Science and Technology, the study describes that the Accurate prediction of aerodynamic drag characteristics across a wide range of wing-body configurations is crucial in the early design stages of transonic commercial transport aircraft.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Nov. 2025
-
In fact, failure is one of the key characteristics of Silicon Valley.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Twists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/twists. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share