The phrase "gave whirl" is an idiom that means to try something new or to make an attempt. Some antonyms for this phrase could be to give up, to surrender, or to quit. Other antonyms may include to avoid, to steer clear, or to neglect. Additionally, synonyms for "gave whirl" could be to give it a shot, to take a chance, or to experiment with. When searching for antonyms or synonyms for phrases such as this one, it can be helpful to consider the context in which it is being used and the desired end result.