TWISTS Synonyms: 225 Similar and Opposite Words

twists 1 of 2

noun

plural of twist

as in twistings

a forceful rotating or pulling motion for the purpose of dislodging something with a forceful twist she loosened the bolt

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Relevance

as in tricks

an odd or peculiar habit my roommate has his little twists, and I have mine, so things should balance out

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conformities

twists

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of twist

as in distorts

to change so much as to create a wrong impression or alter the meaning of my enemies will twist my words, but you'll only hear the truth out of me

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as in curls

to follow a circular or spiral course the path gently twisted down the hill

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straightens

as in turns

to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis twisted my wrist around to stretch it

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as in pulls

to move by or as if by a forceful rotation kept twisting the cap until it came free

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as in squirms

to make jerky or restless movements the dental patient twisted nervously in the chair

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as in weaves

to cause to twine about one another has the habit of idly twisting the strands of her hair while daydreaming

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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 twists

Noun

Below, The Hollywood Reporter breaks down the season’s biggest moments, from surprise cameos and new relationships to romantic twists that threaten to complicate things. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026 Do some standing spine twists, lymphatic taps, and gentle walking, then return to your seat. — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 On this night, their fantastic rock spectacle went even further with new narrative twists and other fun surprises. — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2026 The renewal announcement teases new revelations coming to light, major character arcs and shocking twists next season. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026 Filmed in real time, the series gives viewers exclusive access as twists and player ratings unfold, with audience votes shaping the game. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026 For the live performance at the Southampton Playhouse, Delia plans to recreate the score with a few new twists, bringing in some additional musicians along with a rig of computers and samples from the original film. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 19 Oct. 2026 Companion never takes the easy way out, and each of its twists feels well-earned and fresh. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026 The rules are designed to keep games moving and add unusual scoring twists. — Jacob Beltran, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026

Verb

The premise is fantasy, but because that chaos is there, people become entangled with one another, the story twists and winds, and the work as a whole becomes realistic. — Billboard Japan, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026 For example, Bosch models usually have a round filter that twists and lifts out, while some GE dishwashers feature a filter that slides straight out from its compartment. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2026 The key is in the flexible headband, which twists and automatically switches the Neo from headphone to speaker mode – and back. — New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2026 The child twists away from her, trying to get out of her arms. — Joan Kron, Allure, 28 Sep. 2026 All four maintain those spots throughout the chase, regardless of the turns and twists throughout the area. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026 As our journey continues, the road twists through apocalyptic terrain until, out of nowhere, life reappears. — Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026 As the action alternates between Lotte’s adventure and Emil’s childhood in the former Yugoslavia, twists abound. — Monitor Reviewers, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 2026 West Cliff Drive is a road that twists and curves along Santa Cruz’s coastline, with dramatic cliffs and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, SFGate previously reported. — David Chiu, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for twists

Noun

Nothing about Capra is weirder, to be honest, than the way in which, from one film of his to the next, suicide tugs at our sleeve.

— Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Electric tugs docked alongside an LNG carrier being loaded at the LNG Canada docks in Kitimat, British Columbia, Canada, on Monday, July 14, 2025.

— Sam Meredith, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of tugs

Noun

At home in Makhaza township, about 40 minutes from the college, Lubelo spends his free time watching magic shows online and practicing tricks on his brothers and parents.

— Julie Bourdin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
The practical special effects seem to be on the booer’s side, leaning on stagy but charming in-camera tricks that have gone out of style, like switching actors between close-ups.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of tricks

Verb

Just before noon, Green drives through the intersection of Magnolia and Beaty streets, then suddenly pulls to the side of the road.

— Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2026
Its forward motion carries it around Earth while gravity pulls it toward the planet.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of pulls

Verb

The 420 Sport jostles and squirms on these surfaces at low speeds, but the payoff is unfiltered, no-nonsense feedback.

— Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 22 July 2026
When Brian and Murtagh report that Dougal offended the Grants and Colum had to promise Ellen’s hand to appease the situation, Lord Lovat squirms.

— Lincee Ray Published, EW.com, 15 Aug. 2025

Definition of squirms

Verb

Elastic edging keeps the machine-washable covers snug across a range of couch shapes, and the collection comes in several colors, weaves and textures to coordinate with most rooms.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026
Bar manager Giovanni Allario weaves unexpected twists into classics, like the Pesto Martini with vodka, white balsamic vinegar, and homemade pesto and a Gremolada Negroni with notes of lemon and parsley.

— Jaclyn DeGiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026