1
as in to lurch
to make a series of unsteady side-to-side motions
the sled careened as it barreled down the hill
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to stagger
to move forward while swaying from side to side
he careened unsteadily to the couch after hitting his head
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to scurry
to proceed or move quickly
sounding its siren, an ambulance careened through the intersection
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 careen
The games have always been fast and loose with physics, and the omnimovement system only exasperated it by giving everyone the Matrix-style power to shoot backward while careening down a flight of stairs.
—
Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2025
The event comes as the government is careening toward a potential shutdown that could force some 2 million troops to work without pay if a spending bill doesn't pass Congress by midnight Wednesday.
—Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2025
The blame game Barring some type of last-minute reprieve, the federal government is careening toward a shutdown Tuesday night.
—Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
As their season careens to a close this week, with a 70-87 record going into Wednesday night, a last-place finish assured and the only record within reach being that for strikeouts in a season by the offense, contention seems as far away as it’s ever been.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for careen
Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2025
The event comes as the government is careening toward a potential shutdown that could force some 2 million troops to work without pay if a spending bill doesn't pass Congress by midnight Wednesday.
—Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2025
The blame game Barring some type of last-minute reprieve, the federal government is careening toward a shutdown Tuesday night.
—Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
As their season careens to a close this week, with a 70-87 record going into Wednesday night, a last-place finish assured and the only record within reach being that for strikeouts in a season by the offense, contention seems as far away as it’s ever been.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for careen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careen
Verb
-
The mood is lurching between calm and doom-mongering chaos.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
-
Hollywood lurched into a fresh wave of existential panic this week after Deadline, notating an otherwise dry industry panel on Saturday, September 27, seized on a stray remark.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Seats are elected from each of the city’s wards and serve staggered, four-year terms.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
22 Oct. 2025
-
To get through the season and the playoffs, staggering the minutes of Green and Horford is logical, even with Quintin Post picking up some center minutes.—
Jannelle Moore,
Mercury News,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Then, Olivia scurried off into an enclave off the side stage as Dylan and Daniella punched up into a high-octane, athletic routine.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Two small children scurried out behind her.—
Jesse Hyde,
Rolling Stone,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In another video, which Anaver shared on Facebook two days later, the interior of his home could be seen swaying back and forth.—
Abigail Adams,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
-
The final shot sees Tom gazing out the window as a curtain gently sways in the warm breeze.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Those numbers show just how dangerous unsafe driving can be, from weaving through traffic to tailgating or driving under the influence.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Oct. 2025
-
An Arthurian theme is at play in the novel, and Hill weaves in a grand love story as well.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Well, the speed of disruption is clearly speeding up.—
Fortune Editors,
Fortune,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Once Mercury and Mars move into expansive Sagittarius and your curious third house, communication speeds up.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Hargitay, who is fresh off the press tour for her directorial debut My Mom, Jayne, was in full Olivia Benson gear, rocking an all-black outfit and boots.—
Kayla Grant,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Her creations most recently made an appearance at the 2025 Met Gala, with celebs such as Lewis Hamilton and Jeff Goldblum rocking her looks.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
As rain pattered against windows, and trees lining the streets swayed, flurries of urgent texts began ricocheting from one end of the neighborhood to the other, and panic set in as some residents put on their shoes and hurried out the door.—
Danya Gainor,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 2025
-
In the footage, the children could be seen hurrying off the bus and onto the woman’s porch as the smoke grew.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Careen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careen. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share