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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 The species' non-linear approach to time, coupled with a penchant for making giant space vortices their home, suggests they're closely related to the wormhole aliens, aka Prophets, worshipped by the Bajorans. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 24 Sep. 2026 For something to stay in the vortex of the culture, there has to be emotional investment. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026 Think of the vortex as part of the atmosphere's system for containing Arctic air. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026 The report attributed the anomaly to a strong Arctic winter vortex in January and February 2025. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vortex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vortex
  1. gulf
  2. whirlpool
  3. maelstrom
  4. swirl
Noun
  • Part of that is due to the former's RTX xx70 tier being unable to compete with the latter's RTX xx90 tier—a gulf that stretches across GPU generations.
    — Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 19 Sep. 2026
  • That was the most glaring example of the gulf between the two teams in terms of duels, aggression and general competitiveness.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of gulf
Noun
  • The cruise line said the ship's hot tubs and heated whirlpools would remain closed as a precaution while testing continues, according to the Cruise Fever report.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026
  • At its heart is the main pool ringed by lounge chairs and a pair of whirlpools.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of whirlpool
Noun
  • Fall film festivals launch a panoply of rich film fare into the Oscar maelstrom.
    — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The gossamer thread holding the sacred feminine maelstrom together?
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of maelstrom
Noun
  • And into this swirl of interartist appropriation walked the elephant in the room.
    — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Merger-watchers took note that Bloys and Perrette were prominent in the social swirl around the Emmy Awards this past week.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 20 Sep. 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 27 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vortex

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vortex

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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