whirl 1 of 2

noun

Definition of whirlnext
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
as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty so many changes at once had her all in a whirl

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stir
a state of noisy, confused activity lost an earring in the whirl of the party

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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

ˈ(h)wər(-ə)l How to pronounce whirl (audio)
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
as in to rotate
to move in circles around an axis or center the gambler held his breath as the roulette wheel whirled

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4
as in to speed
to proceed or move quickly cars whirling by on the highway

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
The latter event allowed the children of military families, first responders and educators to lace on skates for a whirl. — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 14 June 2026 Women whirl in a slow circle as the music drifts up toward the Milky Way. — Shilo Urban, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026
Verb
There are shirts being whirled all around me as disbelieving fans soak in the celebrations with their squad. — Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 15 July 2026 The final pool is a large open-air saltwater pool that whirled me around in its cool currents. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for whirl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whirl
  1. rotation
  2. confusion
  3. stir
  4. try
  5. swirl
  6. spin
  7. rotate
  8. speed
Noun
  • When And Where To Watch For both showers, plus the Perseid meteor shower, the best time to look is after midnight and through the hours before dawn, when Earth’s rotation turns your location into the direction of incoming meteoroids.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • Pitching is always in high demand at the trade deadline and Garrett would be an option as a back end of the rotation starter or a swingman for a contending team.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026
Definition of rotation
Noun
  • Washington — The Federal Reserve has remained mum about interest rates as inflation concerns have heightened, leading to confusion about the state of the US economy.
    — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
  • That has generated confusion about how rules ought to be applied and advantaged some schools and conferences over others.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of confusion
Noun
  • Alessandro Michele‘s reinventions of the iconic Valentino Rockstud shoe caused quite the stir when introduced in his pre-fall 2026 collection — but another one of Michele’s heel styles has been quietly heating up alongside it.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
  • North West's tour caused a stir online, with some individuals voicing concern about Kardashian and Ye's oldest daughter touring at 13.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 31 July 2026
Definition of stir
Noun
  • Other notable tech that is transforming fashion apparel and retail includes virtual try-on and AR.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
  • As several of her peers engaged with adaptive sports for the first time, Hwang felt compelled to give them a try herself.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
Definition of try
Verb
  • Now, as fall camp ramps up ahead of the former NFL coach's second season, questions are again swirling about matters away from the field.
    — Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Drums banged, flags swirled in the air and a group of supporters cheered, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Brazilian midfielder.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Definition of swirl
Verb
  • Rather than a concert, Benton envisioned the evening as a community dance party featuring four veteran Kansas City DJs spinning classic funk, R&B and early hip-hop.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
  • Hurricanes are predicted to grow stronger and spin up faster, too, having a more damaging effect.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Definition of spin
Verb
  • The eclipse path also passes close to Earth’s equator, where the surface rotates faster.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Ice cream cones can also be dipped in a choice of rotating flavors.
    — Hali Smith August 1, Idaho Statesman, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of rotate
Verb
  • The range reflects the uncertainties around factors like how fast the ice melts off the landmass of Antarctica, which is sped up by the warming permafrost, said Obeysekera.
    — Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • The delay comes as speeding remains a leading factor in traffic crashes across California.
    — Kristine Lazar, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Definition of speed

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Cite this Entry

“Whirl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirl. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of whirl for Spanish Speakers

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