as in rotations
a rapid turning about on an axis or central point
the ballerina's perfectly executed pirouette
Synonyms & Similar Words
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as in rotates
to move in circles around an axis or center
the ballerina pirouetted across the stage
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of pirouettes
Rachel Howard, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Feb. 2026
The history of Olympic figure skating is shaped almost as much by epic falls as by soaring pirouettes.
—Brian Mann, NPR, 7 Feb. 2026
The triad moves across the grey room in a dizzying chain of matching pirouettes, drawing a slow circle one after another as arpeggiating harp fills the bare space with sound.
—Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026
The extraordinary footage, which Unitree Robotics shared on the its social media channels depicts the humanoid bot carrying out a series of complex movements, including pirouettes, dance routines, as well as incredible kickboxing skills.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2025
Before plying precious stones and metals, pirouettes and pointes were the means of expression for the Belgian.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2025
To the west, the London Eye pirouettes above the skyline—to the east, Shakespeare’s Globe serves legendary sonnets.
—Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Étoile, the Amy Sherman-Palladino and Dan Palladino vehicle canceled after one season on Amazon Prime, is awash in elegant shots of ballerina pirouettes and the opulent interior of the Opéra Garnier in Paris — which served as the inspiration for the novel The Phantom of the Opera.
—Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025
IEEE Spectrum, 29 Mar. 2022
Noun
On Tuesday, Sasha De Sola, an old pro in the role, danced it with ravishing self-possession, hardly seeming to need the support of her consort Harrison James, who exuded the corn-fed charm of a linebacker while delivering cleanly polished grande pirouettes.
—Rachel Howard, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Feb. 2026
The history of Olympic figure skating is shaped almost as much by epic falls as by soaring pirouettes.
—Brian Mann, NPR, 7 Feb. 2026
The triad moves across the grey room in a dizzying chain of matching pirouettes, drawing a slow circle one after another as arpeggiating harp fills the bare space with sound.
—Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026
The extraordinary footage, which Unitree Robotics shared on the its social media channels depicts the humanoid bot carrying out a series of complex movements, including pirouettes, dance routines, as well as incredible kickboxing skills.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2025
Before plying precious stones and metals, pirouettes and pointes were the means of expression for the Belgian.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2025
To the west, the London Eye pirouettes above the skyline—to the east, Shakespeare’s Globe serves legendary sonnets.
—Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Étoile, the Amy Sherman-Palladino and Dan Palladino vehicle canceled after one season on Amazon Prime, is awash in elegant shots of ballerina pirouettes and the opulent interior of the Opéra Garnier in Paris — which served as the inspiration for the novel The Phantom of the Opera.
—Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
Instead, the silver-and-yellow Ferrari pirouettes through the corner with balletic grace, without so much as a chirp from its tires.
—IEEE Spectrum, 29 Mar. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pirouettes
Noun
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Charlotte was hit hard — not just at key positions, but across the depth chart, affecting special teams units and even scout team rotations.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Apr. 2026
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Brown said his rotations could change any day.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Galante rotates groups through different rooms and keeps certain cats separate, balancing safety with giving each of them space to roam.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Most American medical schools ensure that every student rotates through pediatrics; far fewer require a dedicated geriatrics rotation.—
Ken Dychtwald,
Fortune,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The unconscious Moon twirls into your 12th House of Whispers, inviting gentle reflection and rest that helps your inner world reorganize.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
14 Mar. 2026
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The dance world has often based its plaudits on how spectacularly performers can defy gravity with leaps, kicks and twirls.—
Mercury News,
Mercury News,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As Clark spins his story in the interrogation room, suspicion starts to shift to Floyd’s wife, Carol Love-Smernitch (Linda Cardellini).—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
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The robot handled spins up to 450 rad/s with over 75% return rates.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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None have wheels or are actually mobile like an RV or trailer.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
30 Apr. 2026
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Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But for her own set, Raye is the sun around which everything else revolves.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
17 Apr. 2026
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When the stage revolves late in the play to display Susan’s opulent digs the pale shades of whites and golds almost hurt our eyes.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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An adjustable tie waistband allows for a comfortable fit while the fabric hugs the curves of your hips and flares at mid-calf for a fun, spring-ready finish.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Apr. 2026
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Dispatch curves determine which plants run when, whereas reserve scheduling ensures backup capacity is always available.—
Tejasri Gururaj,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Families flock to the Cape for mini-golfing, traipsing around sand dunes, comparing ice cream stands, gobbling up lobster rolls, spotting whales, and simply admiring the gray cedar shake houses adorned with colorful buoys.—
Kara Williams,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2026
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Critics also point out that government databases often have errors or have not been updated, and the cross-checks will lead to eligible voters being wrongly purged from voter rolls.—
Carlos E. Castañeda,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pirouettes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pirouettes. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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