vortex

noun

ˈvȯr-ˌteks How to pronounce vortex (audio)
Definition of vortexnext
as in gulf
water moving rapidly in a circle with a hollow in the center a boat sucked down into the vortex

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 vortex On October 6 the gyre absorbed a smaller vortex from the Pacific over Central America. — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026 In the silence of January, before the vortex was raging, Tarik Skubal realized something in his elbow did not feel right. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 22 July 2026 The quartet might only be better if a time vortex dropped Pele’ and Maradona, in their primes, back onto the pitch. — Miami Herald, 13 July 2026 The movie ends with a vortex that transports Ash and his trusty Oldsmobile to the Middle Ages. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for vortex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vortex
  1. gulf
  2. whirlpool
  3. maelstrom
  4. swirl
Noun
  • The list goes on; suffice it to say, there’s a wide gulf between Book Tumbleton and Show Tumbleton.
    — Josh Wigler, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
  • At the start of the Iran war, that gas-spending gulf widened significantly.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of gulf
Noun
  • Beyond the spa, the resort’s Health Club is set up with an indoor/outdoor heated pool, a 60-foot lap pool, three outdoor whirlpool tubs, a dry sauna, and two eucalyptus steam rooms.
    — Vivian Chung, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The constantly moving whirlpools can act as energy stores for larger solar activity, such as flares and coronal mass ejections.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of whirlpool
Noun
  • Getting a head start on next year seems particularly smart, since a lockout — even one that doesn’t run into March or April — could compact the offseason into a frenetic maelstrom.
    — Levi Weaver, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • In Kirke’s estimation, apparel shouldn’t be caught up in the maelstrom brewing between Washington and Ottowa over exports like steel, automotives, dairy or alcohol.
    — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 21 July 2026
Definition of maelstrom
Noun
  • The chain also offers a pumpkin flavor swirl, which can be added to drinks like hot or iced coffees.
    — Melina Khan, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Carefully remove hot skillet from oven; add butter and swirl to melt and coat bottom of skillet.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of swirl

Browse Nearby Words

voracity
vortex
vortices
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vortex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vortex. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vortex

Nglish: Translation of vortex for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vortex

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