as in to curl
to follow a circular or spiral course
a narrow road spiraling up the mountain to the summit
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in winding
turning around an axis like the thread of a screw
a spiral staircase takes visitors up into the Statue of Liberty
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spiral
James C. Clark, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2025
The decline in condo deals in South Florida also is rooted in spiraling costs, including insurance, monthly association dues and steep or surprising repair assessments.
—Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025
David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2025
Scientists still don't know why galaxies like this one take on this spiral shape, in part because of the sheer diversity of other examples.
—Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 9 May 2025
Mihir Sharma, Twin Cities, 14 May 2025
But as the conflict spirals, with decades of animosity between the countries and powerful nuclear arsenals pointed at one another, the administration has now signaled it would get involved.
—Christopher Shays, New York Daily News, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for spiral
Verb
The housing bubble had burst and the nation’s economy was spiraling downward.
—James C. Clark, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2025
The decline in condo deals in South Florida also is rooted in spiraling costs, including insurance, monthly association dues and steep or surprising repair assessments.
—Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025
Adjective
Sales are logged in a spiral notebook; money changes hands with almost palpable reluctance.
—David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2025
Scientists still don't know why galaxies like this one take on this spiral shape, in part because of the sheer diversity of other examples.
—Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 9 May 2025
Noun
Neither India nor Pakistan really wanted a full-out war, but the spiral of attack and retaliation might have led them there.
—Mihir Sharma, Twin Cities, 14 May 2025
But as the conflict spirals, with decades of animosity between the countries and powerful nuclear arsenals pointed at one another, the administration has now signaled it would get involved.
—Christopher Shays, New York Daily News, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for spiral
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiral
Verb
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While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind.—
Annie Blackman,
Allure,
31 May 2025
-
Afro hair transplant Afro hair requires unique techniques due to curl pattern and follicle structure.—
Ascend Agency,
New York Daily News,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
Carter Verhaeghe, a Cup champion in Tampa who was a cap casualty there, took a long and winding path to being one of the league’s most clutch players.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
-
Snowflake’s biggest drawback for most professionals has been its long and winding path to full-year profitability.—
Josh Brown,Sean Russo,
CNBC,
27 May 2025
Noun
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With two on and two outs after a leadoff walk and an Aaron Judge double, Buehler tried to execute a below-the-zone knuckle curve.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
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The driver sped away, police said, but crashed at South Belt Line Road and Wheat Hill Drive after failing to negotiate a curve.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 June 2025
Verb
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After using the Find My app to track her location, Keith found Sherri’s phone lying in the dirt on the side of the road, headphones coiled around several strands of her hair.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
26 May 2025
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When mamma came back, the cat actually faced off with her and took a swipe, but kept her distance as the snake coiled to strike.—
Bill Kearney,
Sun Sentinel,
19 May 2025
Adjective
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The affected product, the fresh cut cucumber, was packaged in a clear circular plastic container with a clear lid and white adhesive label, with the code 00262969000006 and dated up to May 24, 2025.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 June 2025
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This concept has garnered significant industry attention over several seasons, arriving at a pivotal moment when brands are placing greater emphasis on product longevity and embracing circular design principles.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
4 June 2025
Noun
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Something in the interaction of all those whorls and swirls will give the ducks a special boost.—
Joseph Howlett,
Quanta Magazine,
16 May 2025
-
Stewart shows her characters largely in close-up, often from odd angles: looking up at a chin, for example, or coming in so close that a single eye or the whorl of an ear fills the screen.—
Stephanie Bunbury,
Deadline,
16 May 2025
Verb
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The second image showed a mostly hollow building with the makings of a winding staircase as teams of construction workers toiled away.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
28 May 2025
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Where to eat and drink in Athens Monument’s location provides a gateway to the tavernas, restaurants and bars that line the winding streets of Athens.—
Rebecca Ann Hughes,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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Researchers also noted helical fiber structures in the cartilage, the twisting patterns of collagen helping prevent cracks from spreading.—
Melissa Cristina Márquez,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
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Along with that, the research team also noted helical fiber structures, also with collagen, which suggests the cartilage is designed to prevent any cracks from spreading, and help to distribute staring and force.—
Discover Magazine,
Discover Magazine,
20 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spiral.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spiral. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
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