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awhirl

awhirl

1 9.5
In a state of rapid activity and excitement
  • adverb
  • /əˈwɜrl/
  • Literature
translation icon : en movimiento
  • The crowd was awhirl with excitement as the parade passed by.
  • mind awhirl

Examples

  • With that, things ease up somewhat, the mustang snorting and shifting under him, the skies awhirl once more, the others watching him warily but returning to an animate state, more or less.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • ♪ Of you on the beach ♪ On that summer day ♪ Lucky day ♪ That set my life awhirl ♪ Now that summer's here again ♪ -♪ Will you still be my girl?

  • Julianna remained still as a statue, her mind awhirl.

    Blog text (8)
  • She stood in the street, mind awhirl, then hurried back to the tower.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • After winning the game, his emotions were awhirl with joy and disbelief.

  • As the leaves danced in the wind, they created a spectacle awhirl with color.

Synonyms

frenzied
vsawhirl
21 6.5

Showing very strong excitement and uncontrolled actions

can be energetic but is less about uncontrolled or extreme frenzy
whirling
vsawhirl
3 3.4

A fast spinning movement in a circle

covers rapid movement more broadly, not only circular motion
a-flutter
vsawhirl
  • Literature
2 8.9

Feeling excited and nervous with your heart beating fast

is more about fast motion or active bustle than nervous trembling
rip-roaring
vsawhirl
  • Informal
1 7.3

Very noisy and full of lively activity

emphasizes rapid motion and bustle rather than loudness alone
whirly
vsawhirl
  • Informal
1 7.1

Moving quickly in circles like a spinning top

focuses more generally on rapid movement or excited activity
aswirl
vsawhirl
7.8

Full of spinning movement or lively activity

is broader, meaning rapid motion, action, or excitement in general
astir
vsawhirl
  • Literature
7.5

Busy and moving about because people are active

emphasizes faster movement and stronger excitement rather than simple activity
4.7

Full of lively energy because people feel excited

includes that energy but also physical rapid movement, not only feeling
atwitter
vsawhirl
  • Literature
9.4

Full of quick small sounds and movement like birds in trees

can mean stronger or broader rapid motion and activity beyond light sounds
to be aboil
vsawhirl
  • Archaic
9.9

To feel strong excitement or worry

leans more toward fast movement and activity rather than inner turmoil
raving
vsawhirl
  • Informal
8.1

In a very wild and angry way

is similar but generally less extreme and more about rapid activity
ripsnorting
vsawhirl
  • UK
8.6

Very exciting and full of loud, strong action

focuses more on fast movement and active state rather than sheer force

Antonyms

52 1.0

A quiet, peaceful feeling that helps you stay steady

38 3.5

A time of complete quiet and no movement that feels calm

How Active

frantic
93 3.9
hectic
65 3.9
awhirl
  • Literature
1 9.5
bustling
9 4.1
to busy
10 1.0
active
664 1.0
idle
57 2.8

Surface Forms

awhirl positive

Morphology

awhirl = whirl (semi-transparent) = a + whirl

The structure suggests 'in a whirl', but learners must understand the less common prefix 'a-' and a figurative extension from literal spinning.

Etymology

Awhirl as an adverb also comes from a- ('in') + whirl ('to spin'), and it paints a picture of busy, fast movement. So saying something ran or moved awhirl means it happened quickly and wildly.