SYNONYMS AND RELATED EXPRESSIONS
vortex
noun
A rapidly rotating flow; figuratively, a powerful situation that draws things into it.
Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.
Rotating flow
Closest synonyms
Related words and expressions
These extend or explain the idea and may require a different sentence structure.
Usage distinction
Return to topA vortex is rotating flow. A whirlpool involves water, while a whirlwind involves air. Whorl and spiral can name static shapes, so neither requires a moving current.
Powerfully engulfing situation
Closest synonyms
Related words and expressions
These extend or explain the idea and may require a different sentence structure.
Usage distinction
Return to topThe figurative sense suggests being drawn into powerful events. Turmoil stresses disorder but need not include that drawing-in effect.
CHECK THE MEANING IN CONTEXT
See vortex in use
The character felt trapped in a vortex of increasingly elaborate excuses.
A vortex swirled in the river beside the landing, drawing floating twigs into a rapidly rotating flow that the travelers watched from the bank.
Compare an alternative with the original word in each passage. Shared meanings do not make every pair interchangeable.
Synonym reference scope and sources
The groups distinguish the senses selected for this study entry. Closest synonyms and broader related expressions have separate labels. The listed sources support lexical selection; not every phrase is a direct quotation from a source.
How the synonym reference was prepared / WordNet 3.0 license