twist 1 of 2

Definition of twistnext

twist

2 of 2

verb

1
2
3
as in to spin
to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis twisted my wrist around to stretch it

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5
6

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 twist
Noun
August 23 – September 22 Upcoming plot twists will reward flexibility. Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026 Virgo August 23 – September 22 Upcoming plot twists will reward flexibility. Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
The frontal plane is your side-to-side movements, and the transverse plane is twisting movements. Sarah Klein, Outside, 10 Feb. 2026 Priyanka Chopra Jonas gathers a small section of hair on each side before twisting them up into high pigtails. Audrey Noble, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for twist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for twist
Noun
  • Seven of the 12 finalists fell in their first run in snowy conditions, which made landing tricks more of a challenge.
    Sean Gregory, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Van Der Beek, twisting his remarkable life into a piece of comedy, pulled the same kind of trick.
    Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Since his return to office in 2025, this firehose of lies has only accelerated, distorting everything from economic data to constitutional law.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Zhiwei Zhang, president and chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management, said the data was distorted by the timing of the Lunar New Year, which falls in mid-February this year after taking place in January last year.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • So far, he’s been spotted draped in a full-length, white fluffy coat and fire engine-red hat and gloves, watching the women’s downhill race, and casually chatting with onlookers at the curling mixed doubles, adorned in a zip-jacket emblazoned with Team USA players’ faces.
    Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Acuff later attempted an alley-oop with Isaiah Sealy, who couldn't get a reverse layup from his waist to curl in the basket.
    Matt Byrne, Arkansas Online, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Taken together, these features strongly suggest the object was part of a bow drill — a device that spins a shaft using a bow and string to create rapid back-and-forth rotation.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The elusive, incredibly difficult jump involves launching forward, spinning 4 1/2 times in the air, and landing backwards.
    Alex Connor, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The fish must have pulled it loose in the grass.
    Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Gomis’ complex, patient scene construction lets such tensions lie and ripple and occasionally erupt, though there’s always too much going on for any single mini-drama to pull focus.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Baby Briana’s arms twitched and legs flopped against cold concrete.
    Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Through the scope, a polar bear twitched on the ice, 25 yards in front of me.
    Scott Haugen, Outdoor Life, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • And the desk chairs weave a story of Nevis, adorned with nods to its lush flora and playful green vervet monkeys, the iconic ambassadors of the island.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
  • The plot weaves together elements of romance, family drama and feminist struggle against the backdrop of a space walk gone terribly awry.
    Brianne Kane, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The games in previous years consisted of events like precision passing competitions, spectacular catch competitions, dodgeball games, tug of war bouts and relay races.
    Sam Warren, Houston Chronicle, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Even as home priorities tug, warmth and patience keep everyone on your side through this shift.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Twist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/twist. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on twist

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!