swivel

Definition of swivelnext
as in to rotate
to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis the cat swiveled one ear to listen to a sound outside swiveled around in his office chair

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 swivel Then there are automatic shooting modes, like the swiveling spin shot, and Honor has plans for other automations, including AI video editing. Dominic Preston, The Verge, 4 Mar. 2026 Now the piano has something to play against, slinking, leaping, whipping, and swiveling like an agitated shark in a tank of impassive harmonies. Justin Davidson, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2026 An hour didn’t allow for a nap, but the seats swiveled easily in multiple directions and felt generally comfy with the footrest up. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2026 Alison swivels her head towards Kyle. Literary Hub, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for swivel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swivel
Verb
  • How to rotate your mattress Can’t flip your mattress?
    Alora Bopray, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Participants will rotate through Inter Miami Academy-style training stations led by Academy coaches.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The three Americans and one Canadian will swing around the moon in their Orion capsule, hang a U-turn and then head straight back home without stopping.
    Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
  • This fuel burn sets Orion on a path around the moon called a free return trajectory, which essentially means the spacecraft will enter the moon’s gravitational influence (but won’t orbit our natural satellite) and will swing around its far side.
    Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The point is to keep eight low-lying pockets of the Lower East Side from turning into basins once the floodgates close.
    Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • The game turned some Wildcat fans into Wolverine fans, at least for one night.
    Jack Springgate, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Dear Lord, please help Kristi and Bryon spin this without costing the taxpayers millions of dollars to hire a PR firm.
    Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026
  • As a result, the lineup was expanded and a DJ will teach kids how to spin music.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In the upper body, a stiff rib cage restricts the thoracic (or middle) spine’s ability to rotate, forcing the lower back to twist beyond its design.
    Dana Santas, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Their studio is known for clever recycling — like the copper lamp base that Faber found on a sidewalk and twisted into a faucet at their old Greenpoint rental.
    Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • This polka-dot midi skirt is full of flirty details, from its curve-hugging silhouette to its flowy hem that’s made for twirling.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 2026
  • After each song ended, another woman looked to him eagerly, hoping for her turn to be twirled on the floor.
    Natalia Favre, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Fans may be confused by the finale, which pivots on a disclosure that’s bound to be common knowledge for viewers (and should already be recognized by the characters, too).
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2026
  • But the account term won't be so lengthy, either, as to prevent savers from pivoting their savings strategy by the fall, when market conditions may have stabilized.
    Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The second shows the entire globe with the oceans topped by swirling white tendrils of clouds.
    Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Meanwhile, speculation continues to swirl about the DOJ’s future.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 3 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Swivel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swivel. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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