twist 1 of 2

noun

Definition of twistnext
1
as in twisting
a forceful rotating or pulling motion for the purpose of dislodging something with a forceful twist she loosened the bolt

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2
as in trick
an odd or peculiar habit my roommate has his little twists, and I have mine, so things should balance out

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twist

2 of 2

verb

ˈtwist How to pronounce twist (audio)
1
as in to distort
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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2
as in to curl
to follow a circular or spiral course the path gently twisted down the hill

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3
as in to spin
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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4
as in to pull
to move by or as if by a forceful rotation kept twisting the cap until it came free

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5
as in to twitch
to make jerky or restless movements the dental patient twisted nervously in the chair

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6
as in to weave
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 twist
Noun
And, after a recent lobby renovation, the Van Zandt boasts the Brass Poppy, a new cocktail bar with an elevated twist on nostaligia cocktails from the 80s and 90s. — Rona Berg, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 Its scoop neckline adds a flattering twist to a typical tee, and its hip-skimming length can be worn tucked into or out of pants, skirts, and shorts. — Averi Baudler, People.com, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
The upcoming slasher is the latest in a string of genre movies twisting beloved childhood memories into an indie filmmaking movement. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 27 Feb. 2025 Among them is the versatile sea grape with its robust root system, twisting branches and large round leaves that can be pruned as bushes, shrubs or trees. — Sarah Stodola, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for twist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for twist
  1. trick
  2. distort
  3. curl
  4. spin
  5. pull
  6. twitch
  7. weave
  8. tug
Noun
  • This chip also drives many of the phone's artificial intelligence features, and allows the Pixel 9a to take advantage of all the same AI camera tricks introduced on the Pixel 9 smartphones in 2024.
    — Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 19 Mar. 2025
  • In situations like these, when your go-to scrubs and sprays just aren’t doing the trick, look to your shower for an answer.
    — Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of trick
Verb
  • The Illusion Of Abundance In A Skewed Market This shift has profoundly distorted the venture deal landscape.
    — Joseph Edgar, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • In the new court filing, phone records show Mortensen tried calling the other four roommates – but got no response – around the time when security camera from a residence close to the home picked up at 4:17 a.m. distorted audio of voices, a whimper, followed by a loud thud, and a barking dog.
    — Lauren del Valle, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of distort
Verb
  • While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind.
    — Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The secret was curling each curl in opposite directions.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of curl
Verb
  • Lausanne, where pulsing house beats and spinning vinyl records defined an era.
    — Roberta Naas, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Reductive as the outcome may be, the writer-director remains undeniably daring, spinning comedy from an inferiority complex and coming out on top.
    — Peter Debruge, Variety, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of spin
Verb
  • Brands began to pull together resources to support refugees.
    — Stephan Rabimov, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023
  • The 13-minute performance will likely call for a healthy dose of vibrant, colored lighting to pull it all together.
    — Kelly Allen, House Beautiful, 10 Feb. 2023
Definition of pull
Verb
  • In the footage, the faceless android is seen suspended from the ceiling, its limbs twitching and moving in an unsettlingly human-like manner.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Something similar happened to Lindon’s recreation of a Picasso painting: His hand twitched, tearing the work to pieces.
    — Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of twitch
Verb
  • Rattan is fabricated into furniture using rattan poles or by weaving thinner strips of rattan cane into wicker styles, like the banquette in this coastal kitchen by designer Marina Hanisch.
    — Monika Biegler Eyers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Our biases are woven into the very fabric of our existence, shaped by our experiences, cultures and societal norms.
    — Mani Padisetti, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of weave
Noun
  • Even so, Wilmore and Williams will face extensive rehabilitation over the next several weeks and months as their bodies re-adapt to the unfamiliar tug of gravity. Hague and Gorbunov, who spent spent 171 days in space, will re-adapt more quickly, perhaps, but both will require physical therapy.
    — William Harwood, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The gravitational tug of neighboring galaxies compresses gas within a galaxy, triggering star formation.
    — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of tug

Phrases Containing twist

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Cite this Entry

“Twist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/twist. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on twist

Nglish: Translation of twist for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about twist

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