as in vortex
water moving rapidly in a circle with a hollow in the center
in The Odyssey, Ulysses is trapped between the six-headed monster Scylla and Charybdis, a deadly whirlpool that threatens to suck in his ship
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Recent Examples of whirlpool
Then, gently lower the egg into the water and create a subtle whirlpool to help the whites wrap around the yolk—no vinegar required.
—
Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Mar. 2026
Guests can expect a thoughtful mix of culinary experiences, sweeping open decks with several pools and whirlpools, and a spa devoted to holistic well-being.
—Susan B. Barnes, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
Enjoy the surrounding tropical forest from your private cabin or outside in your own heated whirlpool.
—Lauren P. Reyes, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026
The polar vortex, a whirlpool of Arctic air typically perched atop the North Pole, dislodged and descended into the Midwest causing the bitter cold.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for whirlpool
Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Mar. 2026
Guests can expect a thoughtful mix of culinary experiences, sweeping open decks with several pools and whirlpools, and a spa devoted to holistic well-being.
—Susan B. Barnes, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
Enjoy the surrounding tropical forest from your private cabin or outside in your own heated whirlpool.
—Lauren P. Reyes, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026
The polar vortex, a whirlpool of Arctic air typically perched atop the North Pole, dislodged and descended into the Midwest causing the bitter cold.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for whirlpool
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whirlpool
vortex
Noun
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Single-digit cold invades North Around the same time as the heat starts blasting Phoenix, the polar vortex — a system that usually keeps frigid air penned up near the North Pole — is forecast to send its chill deep into the Midwest and East, even bordering some of the Southeast, Maue said.—
Seth Borenstein,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
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Normally bomb cyclones get their energy from warm ocean waters, but this one will draw power from the polar vortex.—
Seth Borenstein,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whirlpool.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirlpool. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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