whirling 1 of 2

Definition of whirlingnext
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 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
On the surface, at least, all of that would seem to make Karaban entirely ill-suited for Hurley – the orderly, math nerd introvert versus the whirling dervish extrovert. Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026 The whirling metal blades dominate the front yard with more frenzy movements than a four-year-old rushing to the bathroom. Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 13 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 Lensky, danced by Wei Wang, steals your heart while whirling through impossible pirouette sequences. Rachel Howard, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Jan. 2026 Though lazy Susans are better known for their utility on the table, consider getting one for more flexibility and succinct storage space within corner cabinets for whirling out pots and pans. Alex Ronan, Architectural Digest, 1 Jan. 2026 Dru Smith remains a whirling dervish on defense, delivering three more steals. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 27 Dec. 2025 These men, these whirling arms, are framing what’s to come, feeding the presses, day after day, pounding stories into brains. Literary Hub, 8 Dec. 2025 It's got a microphone, and a few years ago scientists reported hearing the sounds of a whirling dust devil passing over the rover. Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 26 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whirling
Adjective
  • Bright-eyed and giddy, her 19-year-old and 76-year-old selves collided.
    Shayla Martin, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Apr. 2026
  • And this year, a giddy Petty wanted to see it for himself.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Indifferent to the swirling pressures around him.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • He has not been charged in connection with the shooting, and his lawyer released a statement about rumors swirling about his involvement.
    Larry Seward, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The latter’s rotating seasonal menu features crudo, chowders, and salads, as well as entrée mainstays like steak, chicken, fish, and pasta.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Its ensemble approach — rotating in high-profile guest stars alongside a deep regular cast — generated acting nominations in virtually every season of its run.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The backdrop is a revolving spectacular set, such as cherry trees showering pink paper petals.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • But now, instead of playing six notes, create this similar kind of a revolving pattern.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Explosions rang out in Tehran and low-flying jets could be heard for hours as the capital was pounded.
    Lucia I Suarez Sang, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Come springtime in the Hamptons, the sight of large flocks of Canada geese, flying in V’s overhead or foraging in fields, brings mixed feelings.
    Emma Allen, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Misa is a beautiful skater with some quiet explosiveness and a real knack for weaving, cutting, turning and spinning in control of the puck to either shake defenders under pressure in the offensive or defensive zone or slip past them in transition with his speed and agility.
    Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • After a brief tour, Cohen and I donned motorcycle helmets and went for a ride, spinning through the cobble and paved roads and bike lanes on Infinite Machines’ new e-bike, the Olto.
    Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Luna is in your distracted 3rd house, sparring with spitfire Mars in your dizzy 12th house.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Symptoms include decreased urination, dry mouth and throat, feeling dizzy when standing up, crying with few or no tears, and unusual sleepiness or fussiness.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Add celery and mushrooms, and cook, stirring often, until tender, about 5 minutes.
    Elizabeth Passarella, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Although Kitty’s intentions are sincere, her mind can obsess over matters like a Gemini, stirring the pot even more.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Whirling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirling. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

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