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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 twirling
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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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
Verb
There will be a huge tornado in whirling fabric and a room dedicated to Oz. Laura Bannister, Curbed, 5 Sep. 2025 Waterspouts are whirling columns of air and water mist above bodies of water and can take two forms, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2025 On and on the section goes, a whirling fifty-page stretch of disorientation and disintegration. Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025 Astronomers using the powerful eye of the James Webb Space Telescope have spotted a previously unknown moon whirling around Uranus, according to NASA. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2025 Back on electric guitar, Beck spun a whirling dervish in front of Outwater, spitting in rapid fire fashion later. Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025 Mark Harmon also returns as Ryan, Tess’ husband, ever steadfast and supportive of her whirling dervish personality. Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 5 Aug. 2025 Here, a whirling mass of robots stamp out roofs, fenders, and hoods, which are automatically stored in soaring racks overhead. IEEE Spectrum, 28 May 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whirling
Adjective
  • Today's talkers Travis Kelce is giddy.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The result is a sturdy uptrend, full valuations, hopeful but not overly giddy investor sentiment and solid credit conditions.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Trump not only addressed the rumors swirling about his death and health in the speech to his top allies, but also the controversial changes to the historic rose garden.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Thaksin’s hospital case Speculation is now swirling in Thailand that Thaksin may not return.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • On a recent summer evening, at the monthly Sunset & Salsa rooftop party, twirling couples filled the dance floor hours before the harsh sun finally set.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Instead, the integration of HRC US has resulted in some staff rotating through F1 programs in Europe and Japan.
    Sam Abuelsamid, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The undulating building features exhibition spaces, a library, a museum, and concert venues where a rotating program of art exhibitions, performances, conferences, and workshops showcase Azeri history and contemporary culture, both local and international.
    Mae Hamilton, AFAR Media, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The sterile cockpit rule prohibits pilots from engaging in conversations unrelated to operating the aircraft when flying below 10,000 feet.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Perhaps the easiest was an airplane flying overhead.
    Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • If only the series had more faith in its viewers to appreciate that vision without the unnecessary noise of a biker gang spinning its wheels.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Two hurricanes are spinning in the Pacific Ocean, with Hurricane Kiko located more than 1,000 miles away from Hawaii and Hurricane Lorena potentially set to cause some trouble in northwestern Mexico.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Keen observers may witness small flocks of Phalaropes swimming in dizzy circles in the quiet ponds.
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025
  • There’s also something of the McIlroy highwire act with Alcaraz, especially in the breathless blitz of brilliance that rises to the top and then drops off from the dizzy heights of the rollercoaster.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Shroud of Turin — a 14-foot-long linen cloth bearing an image of a crucified man — has captivated people for centuries, stirring debate over whether the relic once wrapped the body of Jesus Christ.
    Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
  • When the foam subsides, add the onion, thyme, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are tender, translucent, and deeply golden brown, 8–10 minutes.
    Jeremiah Langhorne, Saveur, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Whirling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirling. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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