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 commotion
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
Florida has a new niche industry to help those who can afford it get out of dodge before a hurricane whirls ashore. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026 Elsewhere in the park, there’s kayaking and fishing in the lake, biking trails and a possible whirl through the century-old American Swedish Historical Museum, which in winter hosts the outdoor Ebba Sparre Sauna pop-up. — Regan Stephens, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Verb
The systems also can spin up whirling columns of flame — usually a fire whirl, which Giannaros describes as a dust devil made of fire and heat instead of dust. — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 Throughout all this chaos, the Fleetwood Mac touring machine whirled on. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 July 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
  • The Astros’ rotation is in such a state that ruling anyone out as a candidate to start games seems silly, but their actions indicate Imai is something of a last resort.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The 25-year-old Whisenhunt isn’t capitalizing on his opportunity to earn staying power in San Francisco’s rotation.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of rotation
Noun
  • Trouble with the way samples are handled or the presence of other medical conditions such as kidney problems or viral illnesses can also lead to confusion with interpreting the results.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Over the past week and a half, Wattpad users across social media have expressed varying degrees of confusion and outrage over their belief that the fanfiction site has introduced restrictive new rules.
    — Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of confusion
Noun
  • Miller denies that and says the gun fell from his sweatshirt pocket and got hit in the commotion.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Is everything okay on MobLand after the behind-the-scenes commotion involving Tom Hardy.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of commotion
Noun
  • Five days earlier, in the preseason opener at Highmark Stadium, a 45-yard try veered too far right.
    — Tim Graham, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Unlike tools that only handle virtual try-ons, customer service automation or package tracking in isolation, Remark does it all and takes clienteling to a new level.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of try
Verb
  • Continue cooking, stirring frequently, for 10-15 minutes, until the breadcrumbs are evenly golden brown and crisp.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Race was not a focus of the arguments made to the jury, but the case has stirred racial tensions in the community, with the families and attorneys on both sides receiving threats.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of stir
Verb
  • Perry noted that unlike other spinning coasters, whose rotation may depend on weight distribution within the vehicle, these coaster cars are programmed to spin at specific times along the track, in sync with the on-board audio.
    — Eve Chen, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Before and after each screening, Cinespia’s signature DJs will spin sets while guests can enjoy the beer and wine bars as well as concession stands scattered throughout the cemetery grounds.
    — Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of spin
Verb
  • Behind him sits one of the youngest jurors, attending the trial with lip studs and a rotating assortment of rock band T-shirts.
    — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Both Leonard and head coach Klint Kubiak have expressed that the plan is to rotate players around, but honestly, this defense is tailor-made for Maxx Crosby to have an outstanding year.
    — Gladys Louise Tyler, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of rotate
Verb
  • Saltwater speeds up rust and wear, plants need regular care, docks face storms and tides, and equipment like generators, solar panels, and desalination systems will eventually need replacing.
    — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Cubing the butter speeds things up by increasing surface area.
    — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 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 27 Aug. 2026.

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