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
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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
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Recent Examples of wind up
Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Nov. 2025
Plus, if wind picks up, the leaves can wind up all over the neighborhood, irritating your neighbors.
—Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2025
Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
So there was a full windup leading to this week’s announcement.
—Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for wind up
Verb
This season alone, Elaine Hendrix suffered a rib injury that momentarily took her out of the competition, and pro Daniella Karagach executed a move in rehearsal that wound up breaking her partner Dylan Efron's nose.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Nov. 2025
Plus, if wind picks up, the leaves can wind up all over the neighborhood, irritating your neighbors.
—Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
In the final windup to the end, electric energy gave way to ringing, Mussorgskyan grandeur.
—Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
So there was a full windup leading to this week’s announcement.
—Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for wind up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wind up
Verb
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The benefit reductions for November are temporary, and SNAP recipients are expected to receive full benefits once the government shutdown ends and regular appropriations have been approved.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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Hong Kong — Qatar Airways will sell its stake in Cathay Pacific Airways for $896 million, ending its eight-year shareholding in Hong Kong’s flagship carrier.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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On third-and-1 with seven seconds left, Schakel took the snap and tried to spike the ball, which would have stopped the clock and given his team one final play to go for the win.—
Alex Valdes,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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Among those who do use an advisor, 26% are considering switching and 18% may stop using an advisor altogether.—
Robert Frank,
CNBC,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Did the 'Christy' ending happen in real life?—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
9 Nov. 2025
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The ending of the film certainly leaves it open to the possibility.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The Islanders finished the night shooting 32% from the field, including 7% on 3-pointers.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
12 Nov. 2025
-
Making winning plays, finishing at the rim, and fighting his tail off defensively.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Republicans have also proposed reopening the government through at least January, advancing three full-year spending bills covering veterans’ programs, agriculture and the legislative branch, and guarantee a future vote on the expiring health subsidies.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
6 Nov. 2025
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There were some reports about the couple’s finances after their Netflix deal expired, but the two then went on to sign a first-look deal, similar to what other high-profile duos, like the Obamas, have signed.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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As the train hurtles toward its final destination, mother and daughter must confront both their past and the paranormal – before the journey reaches a deadly conclusion.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
6 Nov. 2025
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The tariffs case in most respects appears to be an instance in which the conservative Justices would favor limiting executive power, but the idea that foreign affairs and emergencies are different may muddy that conclusion.—
Jeannie Suk Gersen,
New Yorker,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Women from 130 countries are participating in this year’s edition, which concludes on November 21 with the crowning of the winner.—
Anabella González,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
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Williams returned to his alma mater and guided UNC to three NCAA titles (2005, 2009, 2017) and concluded with a career record of 903-264.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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From December through February, shuttle service largely ceases (outside of select days and weekends; check shuttle schedules for up-to-date details).—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Nov. 2025
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Meanwhile, over in Britain, a vibrant antiwar movement brought on motion after motion in Parliament to cease fire and end all offensive operations against the rebels.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wind up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wind%20up. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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