TWISTING Synonyms: 203 Similar and Opposite Words

twisting 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of twisting

as in winding

marked by a long series of irregular curves a twisting mountain road that requires extra careful driving

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twisting

2 of 3

noun

ˈtwi-stiŋ

as in twist

a forceful rotating or pulling motion for the purpose of dislodging something it took some twisting, but I finally got the top off the jar

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twisting

3 of 3

verb

present participle of twist

as in distorting

to change so much as to create a wrong impression or alter the meaning of my enemies will twist my words, but you'll only hear the truth out of me

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as in coiling

to follow a circular or spiral course the path gently twisted down the hill

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straightening

as in rotating

to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis twisted my wrist around to stretch it

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as in pulling

to move by or as if by a forceful rotation kept twisting the cap until it came free

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as in tossing

to make jerky or restless movements the dental patient twisted nervously in the chair

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in weaving

to cause to twine about one another has the habit of idly twisting the strands of her hair while daydreaming

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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 twisting

Verb

On bars – her weakest event – Jade Carey fought through a late pirouette to nearly nail her full-twisting double layout dismount. — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 Like Dante, Nick Tosches was an undaunted character whose tongue-twisting prose was an iconoclastic mash-up of realism and intricate, erudite lyricism. — A.d. Amorosi, SPIN, 6 Aug. 2026 The government is twisting a 60-year-old deal to take control of my land. — Cody Peterson, Washington Post, 29 July 2026 As Smith read Colt’s writings, the teenager remained expressionless, sometimes gently rocking and twisting in his chair. — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 27 July 2026 A lot of this work is almost unreadable now, the pained efforts of young eggheads twisting themselves into rhetorical knots over the moral conundrums posed by real-world applications of Marxist principles. — Literary Hub, 21 July 2026 In whatever looping scenario might be chosen, the next step involves twisting a cap on the locking mechanism to take up the slack in the cable. — Ben Coxworth july 18, New Atlas, 18 July 2026 The beluga came from below and passed in one swooping motion, twisting to display its chest to onlookers. — Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026 When the Bosnian defender planted his right leg below Balogun’s right foot, the American inadvertently stomped on his right ankle, twisting it awkwardly. — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for twisting

Adjective

Every floor and room is dedicated to specific watch brands and timepieces, featuring bespoke details like watch-hand door handles and winding-crown faucet handles, all crafted by Florentine artisans.

— Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
As such, the show takes you on a winding journey of France’s influential craftsmanship and its impact on America via archival looks, dazzling objects, and more modern creations.

— Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 29 May 2026

Definition of winding

Verb

In November 2020, Lupe was in the final weeks of her pregnancy when dark spots began distorting her vision.

— Carina Heckert, The Conversation, 30 July 2026
The least costly and least distorting way to solve the entire financing gap is to extend Social Security's base beyond paychecks to capital income -- capital gains, dividends, interest and pass-through business income.

— Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of distorting

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

Definition of coiling

Verb

Flavor choices abound, with a rotating selection of more than 40.

— Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
On Friday, authorities began implementing rotating 48-hour water shut-offs in parts of the capital San Juan, as well as neighborhoods in the cities of Carolina, Juncos, Gurabo, Trujillo Alto, Canovanas, and Loiza.

— Victoria Arancio, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of rotating

Verb

Relievers Chase Shugart and Jonathan Bowlan were among those who played catch with Orion Kerkering, who jokingly told them to throw their sweepers and curveballs rather than just tossing.

— Dan Hayes, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Roast, tossing halfway through, until tofu is deep golden brown and starting to crisp and sweet potatoes are very tender, 35–40 minutes.

— Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of tossing

Verb

The tech leaders were the tailors, weaving something elaborate out of nothing.

— Jeremy Macliver, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
The carry-on, medium, and large suitcase all feature durable hardshell exteriors, TSA locks, and spinner wheels that make weaving through crowded terminals much easier.

— Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of weaving

Cite this Entry

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

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Synonyms of twisting

adjective

noun

verb

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