TWISTS Synonyms: 225 Similar and Opposite Words

twists 1 of 2

noun

plural of twist

as in twistings

a forceful rotating or pulling motion for the purpose of dislodging something with a forceful twist she loosened the bolt

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Relevance

as in tricks

an odd or peculiar habit my roommate has his little twists, and I have mine, so things should balance out

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conformities

twists

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of twist

as in distorts

to change so much as to create a wrong impression or alter the meaning of my enemies will twist my words, but you'll only hear the truth out of me

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as in curls

to follow a circular or spiral course the path gently twisted down the hill

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straightens

as in turns

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

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as in pulls

to move by or as if by a forceful rotation kept twisting the cap until it came free

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as in squirms

to make jerky or restless movements the dental patient twisted nervously in the chair

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as in weaves

to cause to twine about one another has the habit of idly twisting the strands of her hair while daydreaming

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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 twists

Noun

As fans of the series know well by now, every episode of Outer Banks is packed to the gills with twists, turns, motorcycle chases, police standoffs, knife fights, high-stakes heists, and more. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 29 July 2026 Save the tedious paperwork for the IRS, and leave the mysteries, suspense, and plot twists to Agatha Christie. — Jamie Merisotis, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 However, the approaching eclipse season comes with a lightning flash of inspiration, along with the usual possibility for upheaval and sudden plot twists. — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026 One twist is enough for SPF or light debris, two twists for light makeup, and three for a heavy, thorough cleanse. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 27 July 2026 Players navigate impossible architecture and perspective-bending puzzles as reality twists around them. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 23 July 2026 Her arrangements aim for modern classicism, placing familiar instruments—guitars, mandolins, Wurlitzer pianos—in polished productions that forgo twists or anthemic buildups. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026 The accompanying video unfolds as a kaleidoscopic fantasy, with Whack making a scene-stealing appearance amid a series of increasingly surreal twists. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 23 July 2026 Keys also happens to frequent twists, which require two sections of hair rather than three. — Sunnah Rasheed, InStyle, 23 July 2026

Verb

Instead, its body twists and its legs kick as someone reaches toward it. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026 Always have a backup plan in case the child is not into it, twists an ankle or has a meltdown. — Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 Alicia Keys has made braids, cornrows, and twists a signature part of her evolving beauty look throughout her career. — Sunnah Rasheed, InStyle, 23 July 2026 With the franchise’s trademark blend of extreme gore and dark humor, the Evil Dead backstory centers on the ancient Book of the Dead that unleashes supernatural evil forces and twists victims into sadistic, shape-shifting, near-invincible monsters. — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 21 July 2026 An agitator is a post in the machine’s center that twists so the clothes can rub against each other, while impellers have a cone or disc on the bottom of the drum that spins. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2026 Pimiento cheese is a Southern classic, and this dip adds a couple twists to impress at any gathering. — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 July 2026 Often, the bark twists around the tree in a process called strip-barking. — Taryn Shorr-McKee, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2026 Many injuries occur without direct contact, especially when a foot is planted and the body twists over it. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for twists

Noun

Momentus’ spacecraft can also serve as space tugs to ferry smaller satellites or experiments from one orbit to another.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2026
Here, fat-tire bicycles seem to outnumber cars, hours are measured in sunscreen applications and tugs on fishing lines, and island nightlife belongs to nesting sea turtles.

— Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 7 July 2026

Definition of tugs

Verb

Dry all surfaces completely and replace knobs, drip pans, and coils back on the stove.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 July 2026
Visitors are typically brought by elevator to the uppermost exhibition level and then follow a broad, gently descending ramp that coils around a central void.

— Bridget Borgobello May 30, New Atlas, 30 May 2026

Definition of coils

Verb

The money can’t be accessed until the child turns 18, and only then for specific purposes, such as going to school, opening a business or buying a home.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
Whereas a proper pull-up requires an overhand grip, swapping to an underhand hold turns the exercise into what less strenuous alternative?

— Drew Goins, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026

Definition of turns

Verb

The 420 Sport jostles and squirms on these surfaces at low speeds, but the payoff is unfiltered, no-nonsense feedback.

— Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 22 July 2026
When Brian and Murtagh report that Dougal offended the Grants and Colum had to promise Ellen’s hand to appease the situation, Lord Lovat squirms.

— Lincee Ray Published, EW.com, 15 Aug. 2025

Definition of squirms

Verb

The film weaves together a complex narrative of New York City history and, in parts, is genuinely revelatory in its historical findings.

— Zac Ntim, Deadline, 30 July 2026
Set in Madurai, the season weaves its investigation narrative through the culturally rich backdrop of the Jallikattu festival, continuing the franchise’s throughline of rumor versus reality.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 July 2026