coiling 1 of 2

as in spiral
turning around an axis like the thread of a screw the coiling strands of rope

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

coiling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of coil

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 coiling
Verb
Joe Kramm | Courtesy of Francis Interiors The gold background is a spread of bold graphic lines, undulating shapes and coiling circular motifs, referencing the work of French artist, sculptor and designer Jean Dunand (1877–1942). R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Receiving a ball punched out of Tunisia’s area, the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder took one touch to knock it into space, before coiling his diminutive frame behind a fierce shot that fizzed and curled into the net. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 15 June 2026 Schenck essentially preaches staying on the back leg, coiling up the body, letting the ball go as deep as possible and then unleashing a swing as fast as possible. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 June 2026 This is a stock that has done its consolidating and may be coiling for the next move. Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 8 June 2026 As a performer, Tetzloff uses a natural physicality, at times leaning back from the piano as if to take a good look at his hands on the keys, and at other times coiling forward in rapt concentration. Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 14 Apr. 2026 Look to Hermès for a fresh take on jewelry styling by coiling a silk scarf around a pendant and pairing with a simple button-up and trousers. Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2026 Coil the Hose Keep your hose in good condition for the coming year by coiling it in large, loose loops to avoid kinks. Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025 Dense dust lanes can be seen coiling around Andromeda's glowing galactic center, which is thought to house a supermassive black hole 140 million times more massive than our sun. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coiling
Adjective
  • But your first goal is to make sure that one unexpected bill doesn't trigger a debt spiral — even $25 per pay period is a start.
    Dan Avery, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Queen conchs live in spiral, sandy-colored shells with a bright pink or orange interior.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Tracing the length of one of these wild, winding promontories is the glorious, 46-mile Queen Charlotte Track, says Helen Pickles in The Times.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 30 Aug. 2026
  • For Fernández, now Miss Montana, the road to success has been winding.
    Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Five minutes later, Messi gave Miami the lead, curling his shot in tight space past three defenders, quieting the sellout crowd at Subaru Park.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Beyond its championship golf courses, guests can play tennis and pickleball, take a hot yoga class, go cross-country skiing, or even try curling.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Here, nothing comparable to a ball is physically curving through space.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Its flowing, inward-curving shape wraps around a 30-foot central tower, forming a space where people can come together to reflect, remember, and gather.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Coiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coiling. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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