coiling 1 of 2

as in spiral
turning around an axis like the thread of a screw the coiling strands of rope

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

coiling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of coil

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 coiling
Verb
Joe Kramm | Courtesy of Francis Interiors The gold background is a spread of bold graphic lines, undulating shapes and coiling circular motifs, referencing the work of French artist, sculptor and designer Jean Dunand (1877–1942). R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Receiving a ball punched out of Tunisia’s area, the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder took one touch to knock it into space, before coiling his diminutive frame behind a fierce shot that fizzed and curled into the net. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 15 June 2026 Schenck essentially preaches staying on the back leg, coiling up the body, letting the ball go as deep as possible and then unleashing a swing as fast as possible. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 June 2026 This is a stock that has done its consolidating and may be coiling for the next move. Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 8 June 2026 As a performer, Tetzloff uses a natural physicality, at times leaning back from the piano as if to take a good look at his hands on the keys, and at other times coiling forward in rapt concentration. Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 14 Apr. 2026 Look to Hermès for a fresh take on jewelry styling by coiling a silk scarf around a pendant and pairing with a simple button-up and trousers. Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2026 Coil the Hose Keep your hose in good condition for the coming year by coiling it in large, loose loops to avoid kinks. Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025 Dense dust lanes can be seen coiling around Andromeda's glowing galactic center, which is thought to house a supermassive black hole 140 million times more massive than our sun. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coiling
Adjective
  • Walmart sold spiral notebooks for 35 cents each and Office Max tied with Walmart both selling folders for 25 cents.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Why do some child actors spiral in their lives and other ones are like Hilary Duff?
    Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The 800-acre River Wildlife Nature Preserve showcases a breathtaking canvas of blazing autumn colors, winding rivers and peaceful meadows, perfect for reconnecting with nature.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The train departs Paris in the afternoon and passes by charming cities in Burgundy before winding its way along the French Riviera past dazzling resort towns like Cannes and Nice.
    Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Six minutes into the second half, an unmarked Rafael Llorente launched a curling shot from outside the box that landed in the top right corner to close the gap to 4-2.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Above all, frankincense stands out as the star note, curling around aromatic baking spices.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Similar to other colubrids, this species possesses a Duvernoy’s gland—a venom gland located behind the eyes and connected by a tube to grooved, backward-curving teeth at the back of the upper jaw.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Mary’s body echoes the shape of the frame, curving around Jesus, her gaze following his.
    Carmen Rosenberg-Miller, Artforum, 6 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Coiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coiling. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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