whirl 1 of 2

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
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
4
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
So protesting its bellicose whirl / Is hardly dishonoring him / When Israel’s onslaught is grim. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026 The thickness of the oil layer can also affect the whirl’s efficiency. Devika Rao, TheWeek, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
The jaguar growled, whirled and bit off the protruding head of the arrow. Delbert L. Chears, Outdoor Life, 5 Mar. 2026 They got engaged, and later married during the set, surrounded by the artist and whirling revelers. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for whirl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whirl
Noun
  • Wallstedt, who is second in the NHL in save percentage, went 18-9-6 in his debut and has given the Wild plenty to consider for a potential postseason goalie rotation with Filip Gustavsson.
    CBS News, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Schultz’s arrival is the latest change to the rotation.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • My reaction was pure confusion, sarcasm, and not ill-intended.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Be careful about your intentions today because an element of confusion (plus the ability to kid yourself) might get you in hot water.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This book and movie also have one of my favorite Clancy Facts, which is that Tom revealed a top secret, silent navigation technology that caused a minor stir in the world of military-industrial-complex boat guys.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Coffee-Kahlúa Cream Sauce In a medium saucepan stir together sugar and cornstarch.
    Maddy Bendgen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Capela, a center in his 12th NBA season, made the first 3-pointer of his career early in the fourth quarter after missing the first seven attempts of his career, including his first try Sunday night.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Ed Masley Waylon Wyatt only looks like a 14-year-old giving country a try at his first talent show.
    Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • White clouds can be seen swirling on Earth's sunlit arc above the line separating night from day while the cratered expanse of the lunar disk stretches out below.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Rumors had swirled for months that Epstein was the one who introduced the President and first lady, and that she could have also been trafficked by Epstein.
    StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The plot that spins from this opening includes a series of events involving philosophy, parenting, mental health, disability, romance and international art terrorism that would take several columns worth to summarize.
    John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Invitees will be welcomed with Martell’s French 75 while a DJ spins the hottest beats before Davido himself arrives on Sunday, April 12.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • On the starboard side lies a custom wine cellar, while forward are two guest cabins, one VIP, and an owner’s suite with a rotating bed that swivels to create more space in the dressing room and en suite.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The Barnes Welcome Center also houses a gallery, indoor and outdoor classrooms, office space, and a locker room for Duke Gardens' rotating crew of 250 volunteers.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In Michigan City along the lakefront, a new second track speeds up travel time to Chicago, and plans call for a $300 million luxury hotel and townhouse development to transform the city into a commuter and tourist destination.
    Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The British Army and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) have completed a multi-week test in Essex using drones, advanced sensors, and AI to speed up and make safer the hunt for deadly mines and munitions scattered on battlefields.
    David Szondy April 11, New Atlas, 11 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Whirl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirl. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.

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