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

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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?

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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

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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

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3
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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

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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
In a whirl of confusion, safes are emptied, calls to the police are made, and a gun goes off. Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 6 June 2025 When the works’ motors are switched on, the sculptures spin rapidly and the texts dissolve in a whirl of motion, becoming nearly or entirely illegible. Marina Isgro, Artforum, 1 June 2025
Verb
Though lazy Susans are better known for their utility on the table, consider getting one for more flexibility and succinct storage space within corner cabinets for whirling out pots and pans. Alex Ronan, Architectural Digest, 22 Apr. 2025 Winn whirled and threw to third baseman Nolan Arenado who tagged out Waters for a double play. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for whirl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whirl
Noun
  • Jed Hoyer and Craig Counsell know the quality of the rotation is going to make or break the Cubs' playoff hopes and success this season.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
  • During the team’s last homestand, fellow young talent Emmet Sheehan returned from Tommy John surgery with four sharp innings, and seemed primed to occupy an open spot in the Dodgers’ rotation moving forward.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • That means naming the fear, the confusion and even the shame that might arise.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • That temptation, rich in moral confusion, runs through Leonardland, onscreen as on the page.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • As with all games, the results caused a stir, and Nic, Elan, Cierra, Chelley, Huda, and Ace were at the heart of the drama.
    Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
  • The season 36 finale caused quite a stir with fans, but this isn't the first time a core family member bit the dust.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • The natural chemistry between the two appealing lead actors makes their disagreements as believable as the magnetic force that keeps coaxing them to give it another try.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025
  • Perhaps there are statistics from New York to suggest Connecticut towns give it a try.
    Raj Dodani, Hartford Courant, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Despite the macroeconomic factors swirling over Wall Street, a relative calm has descended across markets.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 27 June 2025
  • In March, rumors swirled after an article in The Sun alleged that British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who’s starred in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Kick-Ass, and Bullet Train, had been formally offered the lead role, but no developments have occurred since.
    India Brown, Robb Report, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Teddy Roosevelt would've been spinning in his grave.
    Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
  • The crass charmer Loretta (Judith Miller) is spit-shining her establishment, known for its knick-knacks alongside an Orange Crush machine that spins the sugary libation.
    David John Chávez, Mercury News, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Label and rotate: Mark containers with dates to keep track of leftovers.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2025
  • Anjin will serve a small, rotating menu with some cocktails and plenty of sake.
    Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • At the other end, Federal trucks sped them to their destinations.
    Chase Peterson-Withorn, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Cynthia, seeing Carmen and Julius bleeding, sped to the hospital, one minute away, but Carmen was pronounced dead on arrival.
    Sally Ventura June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Whirl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirl. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

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