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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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
-
Both are now in the rotation at low Single-A Lake Elsinore.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 July 2025
-
So my challenge to him was, well break into the rotation and make that Hall of Fame coach earn your trust.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Donald Trump last week contains dozens of complex tax and other provisions that have generated confusion and misinformation.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
This leads to confusion and frustration when their air conditioning is unexpectedly limited.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
The crane tariffs aren’t the only punitive USTR measures on China causing a stir.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
9 July 2025
-
Late in the fourth quarter, Reese's actions caused a stir.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 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
-
Gently swirl in toppings with a thin metal spatula or table knife.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 July 2025
-
Uncertainty has swirled at the lab since March, when the Trump administration’s plans to cut the EPA’s Office of Research and Development were first reported by the New York Times.—
Jimmy Lovrien,
Twin Cities,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
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
-
In addition to the usual fitness center, there are yoga and meditation rooms, and complimentary stretching, yoga, and meditation classes are held on a rotating schedule throughout the week.—
Hannah Freedman,
Travel + Leisure,
13 July 2025
-
That’s proven to be a fruitful investment for the Yankees, who have primarily rotated Bellinger in the three outfield spots but use him intermittently at first base, too.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
12 July 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 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share