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

Relevance

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
In those animals, a mutation in another gene can produce left-coiling individuals, but it is also associated with abnormal development. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026 The stock has spent two months coiling in a narrow range, so the levels that matter are close by. — Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026 In addition to data on coiling direction from multiple species going back millions of years, the study incorporates insights from modern foram genetics and biology. — Quanta Magazine, 11 Sep. 2026 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coiling
Adjective
  • The continuously rising spiral roof integrates diverse functions such as dining spaces, exhibition spaces, education centers, and the theater into a cohesive whole.
    — Wendy Wang, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2026
  • People whose lives spiral when social media enters the picture might need to abstain, although doctors are finding that for behavioral addictions abstinence might not be feasible (screens are everywhere).
    — Jeanna Bryner, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Its main street is lined with shops selling handblown glass and cozy knits, and colorful boats bob along its winding waterways.
    — Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Along with that oh-so-sweet commercial success came rounds of discourse that callously dissected her racial identity, her relationship with her Blackness, and the winding history of genre in the context of American music.
    — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Diaby scored the winner on a nifty shot from outside the box, curling it into the top right corner of the net for his second goal in his eighth MLS match.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin, meanwhile, became the first American team to win a medal in Olympic mixed doubles curling, taking silver.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Layers of pencil have been transformed into plywood in curving and minimalist forms.
    — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The tangle of stubby points stood out like overgrown thumbs, and the down-curving prongs on either side of his head were at least a foot long.
    — Al Dawson, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coiling. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster