whirling 1 of 2

as in giddy
having a feeling of being whirled about and in danger of falling down still whirling from the amusement park ride, I needed to sit down

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whirling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of whirl
1
as in swirling
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 rotating
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 spinning
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 whirling
Adjective
The magnetar was initially surrounded by a whirling disk of matter, funneling from its inner edge onto the stellar remnant. Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
For much of the past week, all that Colombia had been able to agree upon was the pre-eminence of Luis Diaz, who remained a whirling dervish throughout the match as his side’s outstanding player. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 24 June 2026 That’s the question that has been whirling around Hollywood since the news broke that Amazon MGM Studios was dropping the feature just months after Amazon entered into a $50 billion investment with Sam Altman’s OpenAI. Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 2026 With the Splash Into Summer there, there were several sprinklers whirling around near several parts of the path giving people a chance to cool off. Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026 After seeing his parents vanquished, young Adam is quickly sent by the Sorceress (Morena Baccarin) with his all-powerful sword whirling away to Earth. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 2 June 2026 Admittedly, on its best day, Penn Station feels like a whirling dervish. Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 28 May 2026 Firefighters witnessed a rare ‘ash devil’ while battling the Trinity fire in San Bernardino County — a whirling column of hot ash and embers created when rising heat meets shifting winds. Blanca Begert, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2026 The video then cuts to two Apache helicopters whirling up. Jack Dunn, Variety, 2 May 2026 Festivities typically include parades, street food, block parties, mariachi competitions, and baile folklórico, or folkloric ballet, with whirling dancers wearing bright, ruffled dresses and their hair tied with shiny ribbons. Todd Feurer, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whirling
Adjective
  • Ureña, a 22-year-old right-hander who has emerged as another potential ace, speaks of Soriano with a giddy amusement mixed with a solemn respect for how the starter has survived in the big leagues.
    Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • For now, the stock market and the credit market are telling slightly different stories about the same companies, one giddy and one wary.
    Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • And across the almost-year since, speculation has been swirling.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 1 July 2026
  • The American great had just lost to France’s Harmony Tan in the first round of the grass court major and questions about her future were swirling around this leafy corner of London.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • With menus inspired by the seasons, rotating dishes, bold flavors and comforting classics adorn the menu, like their famous crispy fried chicken and their shrimp and grits.
    Carinne Geil Botta, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Accommodation includes two owner’s suites—one with a rotating bed, the other with a reflecting pool—a spacious full-beam VIP, and four guest cabins.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • The innovation used a revolving cylinder and a reversible wringer to separate and clean clothing.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
  • For those carrying tens of thousands of dollars in revolving debt, those interest charges can make the repayment process feel like a moving target.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Taylor loves her Easter eggs, and there are rumors flying that Madison Square Garden is simply a bold ploy to redirect fans’ (and the media’s) attention away from where her true nuptials will be.
    Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • So, at this point, the town of Calistoga doesn't seem willing to take a chance that flying cars will be showing up any time soon.
    John Ramos, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Just like in the teaser, there are several nods to the magical world from the original film from self-spinning spoons to umbrella dives off a roof, and of course, midnight margaritas.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2026
  • Common illusions at sea include ships appearing as spinning in circles or sailing on land, posing dangers to commercial maritime vessels trying to navigate.
    Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • People with heat exhaustion typically feel dizzy, start sweating profusely, have a fast pulse and can feel sick.
    Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 2 July 2026
  • The 77-year-old American Idol judge complained about feeling dizzy during the opening night of the Sing a Song All Night Long Tour featuring Earth, Wind & Fire.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
    Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Simmer beans, stirring occasionally, until bubbling and thickened, about 5 minutes.
    Inés Anguiano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Whirling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirling. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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