spiral
noun
a plane curve generated by a point moving around a fixed point while constantly receding from or approaching it.
has spiraled
-
present perfectof spiral (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Commentators draw parallels with other intractable conflicts, and count the taxpayer money they say has spiraled down the drain.
From Slate ● Jun. 27, 2026
More than a million people are out of work, food prices have soared and the national currency has spiraled to record lows.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 21, 2026
Like anyone running for local office these days, the three candidates agree on one point: Homelessness has spiraled out of control countywide.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 1, 2024
What started three years ago as a crackdown on risky business behavior by home builders, and then an ensuing housing slowdown, has spiraled rapidly this month.
From New York Times ● Aug. 20, 2023
Because many of those organizations were handling data on behalf of others, who in turn got the data from third parties, the hack has spiraled outward in sometimes convoluted ways.
From Reuters ● Aug. 8, 2023
