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

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 At the same time, people should recognize that roller coasters, especially the ones involving high speeds and lots of sudden turns and twists, are not risk-free. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026 The series is notorious for its shocking plot twists (many of which bring dramatic, fatal ends to important characters). — Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 15 Oct. 2026 But this fall, beloved appliance and personal care brand Dyson combined the two—with several brilliant twists. — Emma Barker Bonomo, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 Buffalo outlasted Los Angeles in a back-and-forth affair featuring numerous twists, turns, touchdowns, turnovers and game-changing plays. — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2026 The best twists will come out of the moves that the firms can’t possibly anticipate. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026 Milne pointed to Goldee’s menu, which offers unique twists to the traditional Texas trinity of barbecue — brisket, ribs and sausage. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 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

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
Pisces February 19 – March 20 When home tugs, work needs kinder structure.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of tugs

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

The track weaves together experiences of colonialism, trauma, and resistance, with the innocence of childhood as a backdrop.

— Vanessa Diaz, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2026
Spain’s Oscar submission weaves Federico García Lorca’s unfinished play into a story that spans generations.

— Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026