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
Pleasingly low-maintenance, a butterfly cut doesn’t actually require all that much styling, hence its appeal during the social whirl of the summer months. Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 25 June 2025 Walsh also gave reality TV a whirl, joining season 32 of Dancing With the Stars. EW.com, 12 June 2025
Verb
Before my Rolls-Royce gallivanting, the day began with blackout shades whirling open to reveal the Singapore sun glowing upon my villa’s private pool. Cameron Sperance, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2025 There are some lofty concepts whirling around this production, and the actions (both of them) revolve, too, taking place on a slow-spinning turntable. Justin Davidson, Vulture, 20 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 move sparked anxiety, confusion and intense pushback from public school districts and advocates nationwide.
    Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 27 July 2025
  • Besides confusion among the crowd and a brief delay turning over Hall H from one panel to the next, the alarm did not seem to cause any major disruption to Friday's festivities.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • Among the topics discussed: Nikola Jokic caused a stir in NBA circles by … doing nothing?!
    Matt Schubert, Denver Post, 16 July 2025
  • The allegations created quite a stir—and resulted in litigation.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Former Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez has announced his bid for Arizona's 2nd congressional district, making a second try at winning the seat.
    Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 23 July 2025
  • SpaceX tried to launch the mission Monday (July 21) but aborted the try 11 seconds before liftoff, for reasons that the company did not immediately explain.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • In Tennessee, jam cake batter is swirled with blackberry jam.
    Anne Byrn, Southern Living, 26 July 2025
  • Storylines have swirled regarding Epstein’s ties to Trump as the Wall Street Journal published an article outlining a 2003 birthday letter sent to the businessman in 2003.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • When a ball spins quickly through the air, the placement of its rough elements matters less; the ball moves as if these features are evenly distributed.
    Emma R. Hasson, Scientific American, 25 July 2025
  • Then in November, Boucek spotted the first spinning fish.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • There are also rotating daily specials, with vegetarian versions typically available.
    Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 26 July 2025
  • From that point on, the Giants had to rotate through quarterbacks.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • Automation and the Illusion of Security McDonald’s isn’t alone in betting big on AI to speed up hiring and make life easier for franchisees and HR teams.
    Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Smaller than the dogs on the sidewalk, much smaller than the cars speeding by.
    Lizz Schumer, People.com, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Whirl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirl. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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