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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Macfarlane explained that fire whirls can form when heat generated by a wildfire rises so rapidly that the air begins to spin, similar to how a dust devil or a landspout forms. — Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 27 Aug. 2026 Rey toppled Gable with a tilt-a-whirl and a 10-count punches. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
Too bad then that Sophie is such a softie, secretly inviting the whirling dervish to their two days of rest and relaxation. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026 Twenty-four hours later, my brain is still whirling over yesterday’s stunning news from Merck and Moderna about the success of their personalized mRNA cancer therapy in a melanoma late-stage clinical trial. — Adam Feuerstein, STAT, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for whirl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whirl
  1. rotation
  2. confusion
  3. commotion
  4. try
  5. stir
  6. spin
  7. rotate
  8. speed
Noun
  • And Marcelin, who had worked his way into the linebacker rotation early in his sophomore year, was tied for third on the team with nine tackles through three games.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Summer frocks remain on rotation, made appropriate for the season by thin sweaters and leather boots, while sandals pair with mini skirts and mocknecks.
    — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of rotation
Noun
  • Trump announced his ban in a post Friday, causing some confusion in the White House as crews from the outelts remained onsite.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
  • This confusion of terms, says Breau, is in part because of the way American law looks at psychedelics and religion.
    — Claire Hoffman, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of confusion
Noun
  • No one had seen anyone enter the property or even heard any commotion that morning.
    — Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026
  • According to the warrant, the victim was only able to escape when a coach heard the commotion, entered the locker room and told the boys to settle down.
    — Steven Rosenbaum, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of commotion
Noun
  • In particular, Glance’s conversational product discovery and generative virtual try-on will combine with True Fit’s Intelligence Layer, which is grounded in real purchase and return outcomes.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The Dolphins largely dominated the first half yet trailed 14-6 at the break, settling for a pair of field goals (after missing a first try).
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of try
Verb
  • Muse’s rise in the App Stores comes after the company’s smart glasses stirred controversy and privacy concerns.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Add 1 cup Israeli couscous and cook, stirring to coat, until golden brown, 1–2 minutes.
    — Hana Asbrink, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of stir
Verb
  • To spin total concoctions into something so riveting is — for better or worse — an admirable cinematic skill, one Hur uses to turn a tale of forensic malfeasance into mass entertainment of considerable quality.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
  • There’s even a record player where vinyl fans can spin classic tunes!
    — Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of spin
Verb
  • Instead, Toner suggests rotating a small selection of art or notes on a bulletin board or magnetic frame or bulletin board somewhere else in the kitchen to keep the room and fridge looking clean.
    — Mallory Carra, The Spruce, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The council’s five permanent members hold veto power, while Africa’s three rotating seats offer no comparable influence over wars affecting the continent and beyond.
    — Mogomotsi Magome, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of rotate
Verb
  • Alexander said his husband was struck by a car in May, prompting him to reach out to the City Council about the speeding problems in the neighborhood.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
  • When life speeds up, intentional relaxation is usually the first thing that flies out the window.
    — Cheryl Fenton, Flow Space, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of speed

Browse Nearby Words

whir
whirl
whirled
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Cite this Entry

“Whirl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirl. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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