whirl 1 of 2

1
as in rotation
a rapid turning about on an axis or central point the whirl of the mechanical ride made him dizzy

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2
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4
as in try
an effort to do or accomplish something I'm pretty good at fixing things, so how about if I give it a whirl?

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whirl

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to stir
to cause (as a liquid) to move about in a circle especially repeatedly whirled the chocolate syrup into the milk with a spoon

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2
as in to spin
to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis the figure skater whirled his partner with effortless grace

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3
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5
as in to swim
to be in a confused state as if from being twirled around my mind whirled from all of the excitement

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 whirl
Noun
Especially when his head gave a sickening whirl, blackening for a second, and his limbs seized again. Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 24 July 2025 Joel’s recording is not bad at all, but if only someone like Bobby Womack had given it a whirl! Christopher Bonanos, Vulture, 18 July 2025
Verb
After a Joey Estes fastball came near his head, Robles whirled around and chucked his bat at the pitcher. Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025 Mark Harmon also returns as Ryan, Tess’ husband, ever steadfast and supportive of her whirling dervish personality. Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for whirl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whirl
Noun
  • While mopping, its spinning pads apply 12 Newtons of downward pressure and spin at up to 200 rotations per minute (RPM).
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Houston has deployed a six-man rotation while playing this stretch of 13 consecutive games.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Indeed, there has been confusion over how many shots were fired when Finicum was killed and who fired them.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 7 Sep. 2025
  • But that means there’s even more opportunity for confusion.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Florida’s Surgeon General, Joseph Ladapo, created a stir this week suggesting the state eliminate all school vaccine requirements.
    Judy Stone, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • When season 1 premiered, Noah and Joanne’s first kiss caused quite the stir.
    EW.com, EW.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Follow the directions and you, too, will have smooth, shiny hair on the first try.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Give the easy outfit formula a try in wallet-friendly pieces by the Gap including its Denim Moto Jacket ($98) and High Rise Relaxed Flare Jeans ($90).
    Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Miami Dolphins star receiver Tyreek Hill is already being swirled around in trade rumors.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Studs, leopard print, and DIY ornamentation sit alongside soft pastels, swirling graphic patterns, and a Nouveau color palette inspired by the Parisian Metropolitain signs.
    Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Waterspouts are spinning columns of air and water mist above bodies of water and can take two forms, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • While most broths are perfectly serviceable for rounding out the flavors of a soup or giving a brothy head start to a braise, Epic provides the kind of gelatine-rich base that is worthy of spinning up into a ramen broth for weeknight noodle duty.
    Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Over the years, the series has also seen a rotating roster of hosts, including current faces Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond.
    Jane LaCroix, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown, rotating pans about halfway through.
    Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Mechanical engineers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have developed a new framework that speeds up the design of shock-absorbing foam materials, used in everything from sports and military helmets to spacecraft landing struts.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Warmer temperatures increase evaporation, drying out rivers, reservoirs, soil and vegetation, and speeding up Earth’s water cycle as more water goes back into the air for precipitation.
    John Leos, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Whirl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirl. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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