1
as in rotation
a rapid turning about on an axis or central point
the whirl of the mechanical ride made him dizzy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
so many changes at once had her all in a whirl
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stir
a state of noisy, confused activity
lost an earring in the whirl of the party
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
3
as in to rotate
to move in circles around an axis or center
the gambler held his breath as the roulette wheel whirled
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to speed
to proceed or move quickly
cars whirling by on the highway
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of whirl
Vogue, 12 May 2025
Their songs are fast, and Rose — with guitar in hand — whirls around the stage in a blur of energy.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2025
Rachel Nall, SELF, 17 June 2025
At the hospital, news helicopters were whirling above as police cruisers from various law enforcement agencies rolled into the hospital’s emergency entrance.
—Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for whirl
Noun
Every spring, the Dia Art Foundation’s luncheon at Dia Beacon offers a pause from the art world’s relentless whirl—a chance to slow down, look closely, and raise a glass among friends.
—Vogue, 12 May 2025
Their songs are fast, and Rose — with guitar in hand — whirls around the stage in a blur of energy.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
The big swings in heart rate and blood pressure can ultimately leave you whirling and also trigger fatigue, brain fog, difficulties with sleep, and anxiety, among other POTS symptoms.
—Rachel Nall, SELF, 17 June 2025
At the hospital, news helicopters were whirling above as police cruisers from various law enforcement agencies rolled into the hospital’s emergency entrance.
—Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for whirl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whirl
Noun
-
Jed Hoyer and Craig Counsell know the quality of the rotation is going to make or break the Cubs' playoff hopes and success this season.—
Drew VonScio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
-
During the team’s last homestand, fellow young talent Emmet Sheehan returned from Tommy John surgery with four sharp innings, and seemed primed to occupy an open spot in the Dodgers’ rotation moving forward.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2025
Noun
-
That means naming the fear, the confusion and even the shame that might arise.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
That temptation, rich in moral confusion, runs through Leonardland, onscreen as on the page.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
As with all games, the results caused a stir, and Nic, Elan, Cierra, Chelley, Huda, and Ace were at the heart of the drama.—
Billie Melissa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
-
The season 36 finale caused quite a stir with fans, but this isn't the first time a core family member bit the dust.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
As a powerful 6-foot-10, 265-pound big man, former Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball player David McCormack hit just one 3-point shot in five tries during his four-year college career.—
Gary Bedore
July 10,
Kansas City Star,
11 July 2025
-
On Wednesday, the Sox completed the three-game sweep of baseball’s worst team, the Colorado Rockies, who have won just 21 times in 93 tries, with a 10-2 victory at Fenway Park, getting pitching, hitting (15 knocks) and defense in the process.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
Despite the macroeconomic factors swirling over Wall Street, a relative calm has descended across markets.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
27 June 2025
-
Industry speculation is already swirling: will Condé Nast promote from within Wintour’s tight inner circle, or make a bold move toward a new, more digitally fluent voice?—
Jailynn Taylor,
Essence,
26 June 2025
Verb
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When the veteran shortstop made a spinning midair throw to Toro for the first out of the ninth, the crowd roared.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
12 July 2025
-
The truck was rear-ended by a Dodge pickup, which subsequently spun and was struck by a passing box truck, according to DPS spokesperson Raul Garcia Jr. The five injured were taken to a hospital, which included the driver of the pickup truck who suffered serious injuries, Garcia said.—
Michelle Cruz,
AZCentral.com,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
Label and rotate: Mark containers with dates to keep track of leftovers.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 June 2025
-
Anjin will serve a small, rotating menu with some cocktails and plenty of sake.—
Jenna Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
29 June 2025
Verb
-
The film is projected to earn $24 million over the weekend and speed past $107 million by Sunday.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
5 July 2025
-
Ionic technology, on the other hand, speeds up dry time and cuts frizz (especially helpful in humid weather) but can leave fine hair looking too sleek or limp if overused.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Whirl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirl. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
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