TAILSPIN Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

tailspin

noun

ˈtāl-ˌspin

Definition of tailspin

as in breakdown

a mental or nervous collapse the pressures of his job nearly caused him to go into a tailspin

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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 tailspin If the roster is depleted any further by trades or injuries, the Angels could go into a tailspin and lose 100 games for the first time in franchise history. — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 15 July 2026 This sense of optimism fluctuated significantly until June 2023, when the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Biden’s first attempt at relieving student loan debt sent public opinion into a tailspin. — Paxton Honerkamp, CNBC, 2 July 2026 Heck, even chores like grocery shopping and filling up on gas are enough to send me into a tailspin after looking at the bill. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 1 June 2026 That is, until a conversation about having children throws their relationship into a tailspin. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for tailspin

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tailspin

breakdown

Noun

Although the city does not give a breakdown of jobs by category, the creator economy has fueled some of the growth in the city’s entertainment employment over the last six years, said Patrick Prescott, Burbank’s community development director.

— Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
For a parent to refuse them outright may represent a fundamental, irreparable breakdown of the doctor-patient relationship.

— Eric Boodman, STAT, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of breakdown

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tails (off)

tailspin

tailspins

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“Tailspin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tailspin. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of tailspin

noun

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