1
as in ends
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 stops
to come to an end
her speeches usually wind up with one last joke
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of winds up
LaRusso winds up learning about a lot more than just facing down a bully.
—
David Morgan, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
The novel follows Fred Scully (Pitt), who, after traveling through Europe for two years, winds up in Ireland with his wife and daughter.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2026
The tie winds up being huge for the Lancers (8-2-2, 3-2-1), who stayed within range of the two teams ahead of them.
—Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 22 Jan. 2026
And how big business and government have long influenced what winds up on our plates.
—Darian Woods, NPR, 22 Jan. 2026
Mainly cloudy with winds up to 15 mph.
—Mars King, Twin Cities, 21 Jan. 2026
Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida's Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph.
—Bill Frist, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
An atmospheric river storm slammed into the coast of Central California and Southern California, dumping more than 10 inches of rain in parts of Big Sur with winds up to 90 mph.
—Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026
But with neither enough depth to leave a lasting impression nor enough entertainment to make up for that, the drama winds up little more than a forgettable distraction.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 14 Jan. 2026
David Morgan, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
The novel follows Fred Scully (Pitt), who, after traveling through Europe for two years, winds up in Ireland with his wife and daughter.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2026
The tie winds up being huge for the Lancers (8-2-2, 3-2-1), who stayed within range of the two teams ahead of them.
—Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 22 Jan. 2026
And how big business and government have long influenced what winds up on our plates.
—Darian Woods, NPR, 22 Jan. 2026
Mainly cloudy with winds up to 15 mph.
—Mars King, Twin Cities, 21 Jan. 2026
Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida's Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph.
—Bill Frist, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
An atmospheric river storm slammed into the coast of Central California and Southern California, dumping more than 10 inches of rain in parts of Big Sur with winds up to 90 mph.
—Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026
But with neither enough depth to leave a lasting impression nor enough entertainment to make up for that, the drama winds up little more than a forgettable distraction.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 14 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for winds up
Verb
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This match is unlikely to quiet speculation that Styles’ career truly ends after the Royal Rumble.—
Rob Wolkenbrod,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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Governor candidate ends campaign days after revelations Navy SEAL veteran and manufacturing CEO Bill Berrien ended his bid for governor less than three months after entering the race.—
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel,
jsonline.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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After the initial stomach issues subside, the toxin continues to invade the liver cells and stops them from making RNA (ribonucleic acid), which the body needs to make healing and protective proteins.—
Amy McGorry,
FOXNews.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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In turn, breathing nearly stops, and its brain activity becomes barely detectable.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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As the top two vote-getters, Rehmet and Wambsganss advanced to the runoff election, where voters will decide who finishes out the remainder of Hancock’s four-year term.—
Eleanor Dearman
Updated January 23,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 Jan. 2026
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More information is expected to come out once the Michigan State Police finishes its investigation into what happened.—
Jack Springgate,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Earlier this week, it was reported by SPORT and MD how Barca has decided on Julian Alvarez as the successor to aging striker Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expires on June 30.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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His supervised release expires in October 2027.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The White House on Monday sought to distance itself from those comments, declining to draw conclusions publicly until the investigation concludes.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
28 Jan. 2026
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The White House on Monday sought to distance itself from those comments, declining to draw conclusions publicly until the investigation concludes.—
Stephen Gruber-Miller,
Des Moines Register,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The world never ceases to produce grist for discussion.—
Thomas Chatterton Williams,
The Atlantic,
30 Dec. 2025
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Rithy has made several films about the Cambodian victims of the Khmer Rouge era, but here the focus seems to be on the crucible of disillusionment through which everyone must pass when the world ceases to cohere with our vision of it.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
1 Dec. 2025
Verb
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As the game wraps up, wind chills could fall to zero or even below.—
Joe Ruch,
CBS News,
25 Jan. 2026
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The 16-minute video wraps up with a special music video featuring the singer and her class, highlighting the Career Day theme.—
Isabela Raygoza,
Billboard,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Should any of these conditions not be met, the contract halts and notifies all relevant parties.—
Matthew Kayser,
Idaho Statesman,
20 Jan. 2026
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Flights at New York City at LaGuardia Airport and JFK faced slight delays and halts Saturday afternoon.—
Nicholas Williams,
New York Daily News,
17 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Winds up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/winds%20up. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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