whirl 1 of 2

1
as in rotation
a rapid turning about on an axis or central point the whirl of the mechanical ride made him dizzy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
3
4
as in try
an effort to do or accomplish something I'm pretty good at fixing things, so how about if I give it a whirl?

Synonyms & Similar Words

whirl

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to stir
to cause (as a liquid) to move about in a circle especially repeatedly whirled the chocolate syrup into the milk with a spoon

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in to spin
to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis the figure skater whirled his partner with effortless grace

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
5
as in to swim
to be in a confused state as if from being twirled around my mind whirled from all of the excitement

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 whirl
Noun
Water vortices, such as whirlpools, are little water whirls that spin around. Doyle Rice, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025 Cover blender and whirl until well combined and smooth, for about 1 to 2 minutes. Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
But then Freeland induced Logan O' Hoppe to hit a grounder to shortstop Ezequiel Tovar, but Tovar's throw to second was low, forcing Ritter to make a difficult catch at the bag and make a whirling throw to first. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 21 Sep. 2025 The Helix has taken more than 1,000 piloted flights this year, and its maker has trained 200 people to fly this unique aircraft with eight electrified rotors whirling on a pair of detachable wings. IEEE Spectrum, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for whirl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whirl
Noun
  • The Shenzhou-20 astronauts – mission commander Chen Dong, fighter pilot Chen Zhongrui and engineer Wang Jie – arrived at Tiangong in April for a six-month rotation.
    Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Sweeney’s boots continued a string of luxe silhouettes in the actress’ shoe rotation.
    Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Toys are supposed to be fun and exciting for children, while some are also educational, but a few products aimed at kids have caused a wave of confusion among adults.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Clarity awaits amid confusion, Libra.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Wendy’s replied, causing a stir online.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The comedian, who caused a stir in September by announcing her departure from SNL just one month before the show's 51st season, now jokes that leaving felt a lot like getting divorced.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Must-try metro Phoenix restaurants Amid a wave of new restaurant openings, put an unusual Phoenix chicken joint, Scottsdale fine dining and Chandler supper club on your try-first list.
    Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Trailing by 11 in the final seconds of the first half, the Chiefs faced fourth-and-goal from the 1, a spot in which Andy Reid should have left the offense on the field for one more try.
    Sam McDowell November 4, Kansas City Star, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Simmer, stirring or swirling the skillet occasionally, until butter turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 5 minutes.
    Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Rumors swirled that Bella and Connor were estranged from their adoptive mother due to their ties to the Church of Scientology.
    StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • According to the report, McClure was driving a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer southbound when the vehicle left the road and began to spin.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Entertainers tend to bend memory to their advantage; Margolick, contemptuous of myth, straightens the record, especially the legends spun by Mel Brooks, Caesar’s protégé.
    David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • However, don’t be surprised if Miami rotates cornerback in this game.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The Patriots have rotated their linebackers next to Robert Spillane all season with Elliss, Jack Gibbens, Marte Mapu and Jahlani Tavai all seeing snaps.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Researchers also discovered that dark energy had not always been dominant, appearing to begin its rule and start speeding up the expansion of the universe around 5 billion years ago, or roughly 9 billion years after the Big Bang.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The vehicle reportedly sped into a shopping plaza, where the incident — captured on video — unfolded.
    Bonny Chu , Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whirl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirl. Accessed 23 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on whirl

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!