whorl

noun

Definition of whorlnext
as in spiral

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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 whorl Rendered with a deep blue backdrop and whorls of soft spring colors, La femme finds Lopez staring peaceably into the middle distance, holding a bouquet of flowers. — News Desk, Artforum, 21 Apr. 2026 The smoke kept rising and the clouds continued to throb with sickly yellow-and-black whorls until just after sunset, when the boiling mass of vapor suddenly turned pink and scarlet, like a poisonous flower opening its petals. — New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026 But best are moonless nights, when shimmering whorls of the Milky Way fill the night and desert creatures emerge to crawl and slither the dunes. — Anna Zacharias, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Jan. 2026 The clinical focus sits on direction and angulation so transplanted hair blends with natural whorls. — Maria Williams, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for whorl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whorl
  1. spiral
  2. curve
  3. coil
  4. twist
  5. curl
Noun
  • This adaptation spiral can continue even as economic and human losses mount.
    — Tatiana Mitrova, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026
  • If interest expense exceeds nominal GDP growth, a debt spiral could occur.
    — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of spiral
Noun
  • The back seat was somewhat compromised in headroom and legroom (and torso room, thanks to a giant center console), but the car’s curves more than made up for its flaws—at least, from the driver’s seat.
    — Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Appearing at a promotional event in Mexico City, Kardashian debuted a sharp, shoulder-grazing cut, worn poker-straight with a beautifully blunt finish and the softest inward curve at the ends.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of curve
Noun
  • Tokamaks rely partly on electric currents flowing through the plasma to help keep it confined, while stellarators use complex arrangements of external magnetic coils to create a three-dimensional magnetic field.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Unlike quiches, frittatas are crustless, but this version doesn’t skimp on satisfying carbs, thanks to coils of spaghetti that become crisp and caramelized on the edges and soft and fluffy in the eggy center.
    — Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of coil
Noun
  • For you, this is a month that feels like reaching a finish line, though perhaps one that comes with a surprise twist or ending.
    — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Every 25th edition of the games, known as a Quarter Quell, adds a special twist to the annual Hunger Games rules.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of twist
Noun
  • On October 24, 2006, Taylor Swift was released—the debut album by a 16-year-old with blonde curls, cowboy boots, and a special talent for turning heartbreak into hits.
    — Ilaria Perrotta, Vanity Fair, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Her hair was styled by John Novotny with a side part and long, cascading soft curls.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of curl

Browse Nearby Words

whoring
whorl
whorls
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Cite this Entry

“Whorl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whorl. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on whorl

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about whorl

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