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
3
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
4
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
Goldberg and Crystal have both stood where Conan O'Brien did last night and took a whirl at hosting from the Academy Awards stage. Shania Russell, EW.com, 3 Mar. 2025 In the whirl of today’s chaos, presencing the future is an invaluable skill. Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
Jackson stood behind him and watched as Lee whirled back and hummed pitches into the catcher’s mitt from a low arm slot. Cody Stavenhagen, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025 This revealed to the team that approximately 70 percent of their sample galaxies showed evidence of gas whirling around at 2 million miles per hour (1,000 kilometers per second). Robert Lea, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for whirl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whirl
Noun
  • Following a dominant spring training, Meyer secured a spot in the Marlins’ rotation and has since emerged as the team’s most reliable starter.
    Isaac Azout, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2025
  • However, between its strangely obfuscated profiles and overall lack of extra features, Raw shouldn't be the only dating app in your rotation.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • However, since the start of 2025, there has been confusion among many in college mental health about how to comply with the intentions of the federal government.
    Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The bill would directly conflict with federal law, opening the door for homeowners to face confusion regarding what is permitted.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This case is still causing a stir in international law, with people discussing expropriation and investor rights—issues that the Russian elite relegated to afterthoughts to protect political concerns.
    Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Trump created a new stir on a related matter at Monday’s meeting.
    Niall Stanage, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Still, that doesn’t mean ice bathing isn’t worth a try—especially if there’s the chance of achieving age-defying results.
    Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Mahomes, 29, gave spring's hottest color a try while celebrating her friend Miranda Hogue's 30th birthday at the beach.
    Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Taylor made clear his intent to run again for mayor well before Thao’s recall election in November, while rumors of Lee’s candidacy began swirling even before the ex-mayor’s removal became official in December.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
  • While President Donald Trump paused his heavy reciprocal tariffs on countries for 90 days, his 10% universal tariff still stands, and there’s swirling uncertainty about what kind of levies are to come moving forward.
    Shannon Carroll, Quartz, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Less than two months later, the Warriors then spun Schröder to the Pistons in the multi-team trade that sent Jimmy Butler to the Bay Area.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Although deGrom gave up just one run over seven strong innings, Yamamoto spun seven scoreless innings at Globe Life Field.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Stop in for handcrafted cocktails, beer, and wine in the company of live music and rotating art installations.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Wilcke: While the quarterbacks rotated early and often, Loftis and Harrell looked to be in a 1A-1B role, while Wilcke worked with the second team.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 sped to a strong finish on MTV.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Sun Sentinel How often are schools facing speeding drivers?
    South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 22 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Whirl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirl. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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