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
Ancient notions, dating back to Ptolemy, claimed that Africa was surrounded by boiling seas filled with giant creatures, whirlpools, and perpetual darkness.
—
David A. Graham,
The Atlantic,
2 June 2026
What to read next The Milky Way disc is the circular flowing whirlpool-like structure, where most of our galaxy's stars, including our own sun, are located.
—
Julian Dossett,
Space.com,
27 May 2026
Some come out the other side of illness, but most loop through an unpredictable whirlpool, at times within sight of shore, at other moments spinning back out to sea.
—
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
Still Waters Resort, Branson Spacious condos with giant whirlpools and stylish furnishings sparkle at this Table Rock Lake resort west of Branson, but the real attraction is fun on the water.
—
Jess Hoffert,
Midwest Living,
9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for whirlpool
David A. Graham,
The Atlantic,
2 June 2026
What to read next The Milky Way disc is the circular flowing whirlpool-like structure, where most of our galaxy's stars, including our own sun, are located.
—
Julian Dossett,
Space.com,
27 May 2026
Some come out the other side of illness, but most loop through an unpredictable whirlpool, at times within sight of shore, at other moments spinning back out to sea.
—
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
Still Waters Resort, Branson Spacious condos with giant whirlpools and stylish furnishings sparkle at this Table Rock Lake resort west of Branson, but the real attraction is fun on the water.
—
Jess Hoffert,
Midwest Living,
9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for whirlpool
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whirlpool
vortex
Noun
-
The shape of Shinnecock spins you in a vortex, with crosswinds galore.
-
Ash vortices form because of intense heat associated with lava flows or vents.
Cite this Entry
“Whirlpool.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirlpool. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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