1
as in rotations
a rapid turning about on an axis or central point
the whirl of the mechanical ride made him dizzy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in fogs
a state of mental uncertainty
so many changes at once had her all in a whirl
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stirs
a state of noisy, confused activity
lost an earring in the whirl of the party
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in attempts
an effort to do or accomplish something
I'm pretty good at fixing things, so how about if I give it a whirl?
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
2
as in twirls
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in rotates
to move in circles around an axis or center
the gambler held his breath as the roulette wheel whirled
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in scurries
to proceed or move quickly
cars whirling by on the highway
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 whirls
Doyle Rice, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025
Yates punched the air, running back and forth across the stage and propelling into leaps and whirls.
—Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
Water vortices, such as whirlpools, are little water whirls that spin around.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025
Yates punched the air, running back and forth across the stage and propelling into leaps and whirls.
—Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whirls
Noun
-
The Oilers enjoyed good special teams this month, partly due to using McDavid and Draisaitl as regulars in both rotations.—
Allan Mitchell,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
-
The goal and focus of Brown's offense are to get everyone involved and force defenses to make more rotations and decisions, rather than keeping the offense predictable and easier to solve for defenders.—
Ricardo Sandoval,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Even on low volume from deep (seven attempts), that’s a recipe for offensive success, and it was reflected in Mizzou’s 50 first-half points.—
Scott Chasen,
Kansas City Star,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Her clarion voice slices through the show’s labored attempts to be both fable and fabulous.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Yet, beneath this comforting picture, another reality stirs.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Something stirs beneath the surface as this mystifying energy takes hold, inviting us to explore the shadows, confront the truth and rise into transformation.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
On the power play, Geekie rotates between the strong-side flank and the off-side elbow.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
New York Times,
11 Nov. 2025
-
However, don’t be surprised if Miami rotates cornerback in this game.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The older dog is shown marching along, while the puppy scurries along, attempting to match its pace.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Sep. 2025
-
In some versions of the tale, the wolf scurries off to the forest while the three pigs live happily ever after in humble homesteads of their choice.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
For example, a key scene where Amélie’s nanny Nishio creates and spins two tops, as a metaphor for their powerful soulmate connection, came from a memory a color artist offered.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Washing machines are designed with balance in mind so the drum spins correctly during the wash and rinse cycles, cleaning and partially drying the contents.—
Timothy Dale,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Plus, the twirls on the cup are also inspired by the garlands and velvet ribbons that the coffee shops hang up for the holidays.—
Sabrina Weiss,
PEOPLE,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Her twirls and spins are more careful, as befits a septuagenarian, and each was cheered enthusiastically by a crowd urging her on.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Before the Lost Weekend, John and Yoko had their New York Year — turning their personal confusions into beautifully vivid moments of rage and pain.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Whirls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirls. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share