SPIRAL Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

spiral 1 of 3

verb

Definition of spiral

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

straighten

spiral

2 of 3

adjective

ˈspī-rəl

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

spiral

3 of 3

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 spiral

Verb

Meanwhile, industry people point out that demand is spiraling up quicker than TSMC’s capacity to max fabs. — John Werner, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 Gartner predicts over 40% of agent projects will be canceled by 2027 due to spiraling complexity and unclear ROI. — Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026

Adjective

Our planet sits along one of the galaxy’s spiral arms, about halfway from the center, according to NASA. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 2 July 2026 Things rapidly spiral out of control for the quartet as a waking nightmare, filled with ghostly figures and sudden disappearances, unfolds. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 2 July 2026

Noun

Thomas Little’s life story was once one of triumphant persistence only to be replaced by the too-common tale of a spiral into imprisonment and deadly gun violence. — Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026 But that doesn’t mean that artificially sugared sodas, retail consumption, or social media are depraved, worthless activities akin to the cardinal sin of sloth or the tragic spiral of heroin addiction. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for spiral

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiral

Verb

Trying to catch Cape Verde off guard, Messi curled a left-footed shot toward the upper right corner of the net.

— Tim Rohan, NBC news, 4 July 2026
Another great attempt by Cabral, another curling effort on a free kick, forced a remarkable save from Martínez to keep holding on to the one-goal lead.

— Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 3 July 2026

Definition of curl

Adjective

But what once looked like a potential breakout career in San Francisco has instead become a winding journey through multiple organizations, with the latest chapter ending after a short stay in the Dodgers' system.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
As such, the show takes you on a winding journey of France’s influential craftsmanship and its impact on America via archival looks, dazzling objects, and more modern creations.

— Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 29 May 2026

Definition of winding

Noun

There can be some volatility in aging curves, especially at this point in a player’s career.

— Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 2 July 2026
The implication for investors is that the belly of the yield curve — intermediate maturities in the three-to-seven-year range — offers an appealing balance of income and rate sensitivity.

— Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of curve

Verb

Probably the most stylish climber in the professional peloton, flowing and coiled, Del Toro stunned in last year’s Giro.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 1 July 2026
Joe Kramm | Courtesy of Francis Interiors The gold background is a spread of bold graphic lines, undulating shapes and coiling circular motifs, referencing the work of French artist, sculptor and designer Jean Dunand (1877–1942).

— R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of coil

Adjective

Wipe in circular motions with a lint-free microfiber cloth to loosen grime, then finish with long, horizontal swipes.

— Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 2 July 2026
The circular logic of it would be darkly comic if tens of thousands of livelihoods weren't caught in the middle.

— Jemma Green, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of circular

Verb

Through the risk of lightning, sticky humidity and a winding line filled with thousands of chanting fans, Argentine fans flooded Bayfront Park with a sea of blue jerseys.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
One feels exposed, out in the elements, seeking shade from shapes that appear like altars or overlooking winding paths that veer high and low.

— Lara Johnson-Wheeler, Vogue, 3 July 2026

Definition of wind

Adjective

On a pedestal at the foot of an impressive cantilevered helical staircase stands the ornate Taca de Portugal.

— James Horncastle, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Rotating the nozzle during printing adds another layer of control by writing helical molecular alignment patterns directly into the structure.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 May 2026

Definition of helical

Browse Nearby Words

spiny

spiral

spiraled

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Spiral.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spiral. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of spiral

verb

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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