Thesaurus results for SWIRL

swirl 1 of 2

verb

ˈswər(-ə)l

Definition of swirl

as in to stir

to cause (as a liquid) to move about in a circle especially repeatedly kept swirling her lemonade until the ice had melted and it was completely watered down

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to turn

to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis swirled her skirts as she danced the tango

Synonyms & Similar Words

swirl

2 of 2

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 swirl

Verb

Cline and Stokes began filming on the teen mystery and adventure series in 2019, and dating rumors were already swirling by the time the series premiered on Netflix in April 2020. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Aug. 2026 Continue to cook caramel, swirling pan occasionally, until deep mahogany and wisps of smoke rise from the surface (the bubbling will lessen slightly too), 8–12 minutes more. — Alexia Duchêne, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026

Noun

The Navier-Stokes equations are enormously successful at predicting how fluids flow and swirl. — Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026 Throughout the swirl of attention on him, though, his friends and family have remained largely silent. — Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for swirl

Recent Examples of Synonyms for swirl

Verb

Continue cooking, stirring frequently, for 10-15 minutes, until the breadcrumbs are evenly golden brown and crisp.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Race was not a focus of the arguments made to the jury, but the case has stirred racial tensions in the community, with the families and attorneys on both sides receiving threats.

— Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of stir

Verb

One of my non-negotiable recommendations is Tonnara di Scopello, another historic tuna fishery turned into a tiny museum and protected cove.

— Megan Rose Murray, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
Her biweekly nostalgia program has turned into a daily online recap of the Keffe D trial.

— Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of turn

Noun

Active starter better mimics the slow rise leavening action of yeast (in breads and rolls) versus quick acting leaveners like baking soda and powder.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 2026
Especially as this technology is clinically embedded, developers and leaders must keep a low threshold to pause implementation and roll-out should patient safety or physician workflows ever be impacted negatively.

— Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of roll

Verb

Behind him sits one of the youngest jurors, attending the trial with lip studs and a rotating assortment of rock band T-shirts.

— Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Both Leonard and head coach Klint Kubiak have expressed that the plan is to rotate players around, but honestly, this defense is tailor-made for Maxx Crosby to have an outstanding year.

— Gladys Louise Tyler, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of rotate

Noun

Returnees Connor Meadows, Owen Spell, LaParka Langston, Justin Royes and Jacob Maiva also figure to be a part of a rotation put together by new offensive line coach AJ Blazek.

— Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
That left Daniels with a group that featured a lot of sixth-round rookie Matt Gulbin and a little of Julian Good-Jones at center, and a right guard rotation with Good-Jones and undrafted rookie Tanoa Togiai.

— Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of rotation

Verb

Perry noted that unlike other spinning coasters, whose rotation may depend on weight distribution within the vehicle, these coaster cars are programmed to spin at specific times along the track, in sync with the on-board audio.

— Eve Chen, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Before and after each screening, Cinespia’s signature DJs will spin sets while guests can enjoy the beer and wine bars as well as concession stands scattered throughout the cemetery grounds.

— Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of spin

Noun

Tzikas pointed to the San Juan Rapids, Clay Banks and Sailor Bar areas as those with stronger currents and eddies that can throw individuals from their rafts and paddleboards or submerge them before shooting them rapidly downstream.

— Reeti Malhotra July 10, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026
Convection involves turbulent eddies of warm air rising from the ground into the atmosphere above, and latent heat involves the absorption or release of energy from a phase change without the temperature changing.

— Trey Fulbright, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Definition of eddy

Verb

The last time these two met in Tuscaloosa was in 2024, when the Tide won 41-34 on Ryan Coleman-Williams 75-yard, twirling touchdown catch-and-run.

— Justin Williams, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Einstein’s general theory of relativity dictates that a twirling black hole would bring spacetime along for the ride, warping it in a process known as the Lense-Thirring effect.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of twirl

Browse Nearby Words

swiping

swirl

swirled

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Swirl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swirl. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of swirl

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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