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
Every spring, the Dia Art Foundation’s luncheon at Dia Beacon offers a pause from the art world’s relentless whirl—a chance to slow down, look closely, and raise a glass among friends. Vogue, 12 May 2025 Their songs are fast, and Rose — with guitar in hand — whirls around the stage in a blur of energy. Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
The big swings in heart rate and blood pressure can ultimately leave you whirling and also trigger fatigue, brain fog, difficulties with sleep, and anxiety, among other POTS symptoms. Rachel Nall, SELF, 17 June 2025 At the hospital, news helicopters were whirling above as police cruisers from various law enforcement agencies rolled into the hospital’s emergency entrance. Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 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
  • Place your left hand on top of the glass, sealing it, while swirling the glass vigorously with your right (meaning that both hands are now swirling together).
    Felipe Schrieberg, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Teddy Roosevelt would've been spinning in his grave.
    Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
  • Colin Quinn Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield Colin Quinn has a unique gift for spinning what sounds like idle bar talk into sweeping philosophical statements about the human condition.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Label and rotate: Mark containers with dates to keep track of leftovers.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2025
  • Always let the area dry flat and undisturbed, and rotate furniture and rugs now and then to keep future dents at bay.
    Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • Ionic technology, on the other hand, speeds up dry time and cuts frizz (especially helpful in humid weather) but can leave fine hair looking too sleek or limp if overused.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 5 July 2025
  • The film is projected to earn $24 million over the weekend and speed past $107 million by Sunday.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 5 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Whirl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirl. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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