1
as in to end
to bring (an event) to a natural or appropriate stopping point
try to wind up the performance, as we're almost out of time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stop
to come to an end
her speeches usually wind up with one last joke
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in ending
the last part of a process or action
wait until the windup of your sales pitch before giving up any information about the product's price point
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 wind up
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2025
Parts of the state are forecast to experience moderate to major coastal flooding, inland flash flooding, winds up to 60 mph (97 kph), up to 5 inches (about 13 centimeters) of rain and high surf, potentially causing beach erosion.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025
Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 5 June 2025
It should be noted that since there were no baserunners, Vásquez was pitching from his windup for the final 11 of his 12 consecutive outs.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wind up
Verb
Bigelow and Oppenheim seem eager to make something far more than mere entertainment and, as a consequence, wind up with something conspicuously less.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2025
Parts of the state are forecast to experience moderate to major coastal flooding, inland flash flooding, winds up to 60 mph (97 kph), up to 5 inches (about 13 centimeters) of rain and high surf, potentially causing beach erosion.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
So there was a full windup leading to this week’s announcement.
—Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 5 June 2025
It should be noted that since there were no baserunners, Vásquez was pitching from his windup for the final 11 of his 12 consecutive outs.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wind up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wind up
Verb
-
Despite playing just 30 minutes against West Ham, the Arsenal captain ended the game with the joint-most line-breaking passes in the final third (four).—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
-
In April, Brazil ended visa-free travel for citizens of the US, Canada, and Australia, citing a lack of reciprocity.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Wearing a floor-length brown double-breasted coat featuring buttons that stopped at her waist, the attire created a sultry thigh-high slit that allowed Jolie's leg to peek through.—
Nicholas Rice,
PEOPLE,
19 Oct. 2025
-
Studies in animals and reports from people show that the side effects of this drug can continue even after someone stops taking it.—
Pranjal Malewar,
New Atlas,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
That ending reminded me of our Super Bowl team.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Poor Rosemary is tricked by those closest to her through what is quite literally a hellish pregnancy, culminating in an unforgettable ending and an enduring performance from a wide-eyed Farrow.—
Steven Thrash,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The Rockets, who surprisingly finished second in the West behind Oklahoma City last season, were dealt a tough blow over the summer, though, when point guard Fred VanVleet was lost for the season to a torn ACL suffered during a voluntary workout.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
22 Oct. 2025
-
The benchmark index is on track to finish 2025 almost 15% higher.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
One of the biggest changes the subcommittee discussed was the enhanced advance premium tax credit, which is set to expire at the end of 2025.—
Dené K. Dryden,
Twin Cities,
16 Oct. 2025
-
The 17-year-long lease will commence at the start of 2026, with two five-year renewal options when the term expires in June 2043, the documents state.—
Matthew Geiger,
Denver Post,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Informed conclusion here — Whitworth and Fitzpatrick are going to dunk each other in a vat of Skyline Chili, then scream until the cameras cut out.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
-
That tour starts barely two weeks after the conclusion of Sublime’s extended summer and fall tour, which concludes Saturday at Mission Bayfest.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Harrison’s nomination came after his time on General Hospital concluded in 2024.—
Liza Esquibias,
PEOPLE,
18 Oct. 2025
-
The initial analysis, concluded on August 8, 2025, confirmed the skull was that of an adult, but could not provide further conclusive information.—
Katie Wiseman,
IndyStar,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
However, during the shutdown, VA benefits regional offices are closed, transition program assistance has ceased and VA cemetery grounds are not being maintained.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
19 Oct. 2025
-
Past this point, plant growth will begin to cease, resulting in the same state in their crops as if a hard freeze has happened.—
Anthony Reardon,
Kansas City Star,
18 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wind up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wind%20up. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share