1
as in twisting
marked by a long series of irregular curves
a long and winding path through the woods
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in coiling
to follow a circular or spiral course
flowering vines wind around the porch's graceful columns
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in infiltrating
to introduce in a gradual, secret, or clever way
self-interest winds itself into everything that he does—even his alleged favors for other people
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in spiral
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of winding
Carl Anka, New York Times, 16 May 2025
The Supreme Court stayed that order, a move that would usually trigger a winding down of the case.
—Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 30 Apr. 2025
Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 25 May 2025
Billionaire investor Ray Dalio, a perennial doomsday prophet, sounded the alarm Tuesday in a winding X post that also promoted his new book.
—Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
Leslie Katz, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
After a warm welcome, you’ll be led down a winding brick pathway dotted with bougainvillea to one of ten private red and white bungalows, each decked out with a full kitchen, comfy beds, and a balcony that’s perfect for star gazing and listening to the whistling tree frogs.
—Wendy Altschuler, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for winding
Adjective
Instead, this is a long, winding and sometimes confusing road.
—Carl Anka, New York Times, 16 May 2025
The Supreme Court stayed that order, a move that would usually trigger a winding down of the case.
—Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
One way that’s easy to manifest is through maximalist bedding with punchy colors, big stripes, and winding patterns.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 25 May 2025
Billionaire investor Ray Dalio, a perennial doomsday prophet, sounded the alarm Tuesday in a winding X post that also promoted his new book.
—Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
The picture depicts a bustling market of shoppers and vendors, with a jagged line reminiscent of those on graphs winding through the stalls.
—Leslie Katz, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
After a warm welcome, you’ll be led down a winding brick pathway dotted with bougainvillea to one of ten private red and white bungalows, each decked out with a full kitchen, comfy beds, and a balcony that’s perfect for star gazing and listening to the whistling tree frogs.
—Wendy Altschuler, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for winding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for winding
Adjective
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Koru translates to loop or coil in Māori, and is based on the spiral shape of an unfurling silver fern frond, as a necklace.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
24 June 2025
-
Cone snails, part of the Conidae family, are a type of predatory gastropod mollusk that live inside spiral shells.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 June 2025
Verb
-
And law enforcement agencies started surveilling and infiltrating Muslim communities across the United States.—
Abdallah Fayyad,
Vox,
27 Mar. 2025
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The latest report shares where and when common pests will start infiltrating indoor and outdoor spaces.—
Lauren Thomann,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Sheen Falls Lodge is only a few miles outside the Ring of Kerry, the 111-mile loop that traces the coastline of the relaveragh Peninsula.—
Peter Terzian,
Travel + Leisure,
12 July 2025
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That's according to a Tennessean analysis of Zillow listings conducted in June, which showed 1,600 rental apartments now available within Nashville's inner highway loop — where Interstates 24, 65 and 40 converge.—
Molly Davis,
The Tennessean,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
His curling strike from distance at Leicester was followed at Villa by Lamptey launching a three-man move with a pass inside to Joao Pedro.—
Andy Naylor,
The Athletic,
31 Dec. 2024
-
The Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning tool is automatically set to a safe 365 degrees Fahrenheit and has a rounded barrel for curling hair and creating waves—in addition to straightening hair.—
Deanna Pai,
Allure,
30 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
The sketch recalled Billy Crystal’s annual tradition of starting the Oscars by digitally inserting himself into scenes from the nominees.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
13 Mar. 2025
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After inserting a quarter, simply pull on the tether holding your cart to the cart behind to release yours.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The Styling Cream and Strong Hold Gel can be used to shape a bouffant afro, the Curl Gel and Leave-In Conditioner to define coils, and the Curl Mousse for definition and shine.—
Essence,
Essence,
30 June 2025
-
Over time, dust, grass and debris build up on the condenser coils, making the unit less efficient.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
27 June 2025
Verb
-
The curving observation tower functions as a massive sundial and marks the changing of the seasons.—
Adam Williams,
New Atlas,
25 Dec. 2024
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Its design is inspired by ancient Sun worship, as well as watchtowers that were once used to warn Chinese Emperors of seaborne attacks, and its curving form has been constructed from two layers of slanted concrete shells that echo the sound of the waves.—
Adam Williams,
New Atlas,
25 Dec. 2024
Noun
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These rays famously feed in two ways: The first is called cyclone feeding, where hundreds of rays gather in high-density food areas, circling to form a large swirl of predator and prey.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
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When pancake is ready to flip, squeeze the cinnamon mixture into a swirl shape on top of the pancake batter, pressing the tip of the bag slightly into the batter.—
Elizabeth Nelson,
Southern Living,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Winding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/winding. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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