churn

1
as in to swirl
to be in a state of violent rolling motion a churning sea made getting to the island a risky undertaking

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2
as in to stir
to cause (as a liquid) to move about in a circle especially repeatedly churn the cream until it turns into butter

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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 churn But markets have churned since Trump escalated trade tensions last week, sowing uncertainty across the world’s largest economy. Hugh Son, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2025 Necessity has transformed this country into a nation of drone-makers, who churn them out from factory assembly lines and mom-and-pop operations like the one in the basement apartment in Kyiv. Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 12 Apr. 2025 Hands-on lessons will include pottery making, making ropes, and churning butter. Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 Harvey’s not as fast but is probably more elusive out in space and, like Tuten, churned a ton of yardage after contact in college despite playing at around 200 pounds. Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for churn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for churn
Verb
  • Cook, swirling butter and stirring often, until butter is golden brown and has a nutty fragrance, 2 to 3 minutes more.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 2 May 2025
  • Clues that pointed astronomers to these locations included swirling gas influenced by an early planet’s gravity, as well as rings and gaps of dust inside dust disks.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Continue adding stock as needed, stirring frequently, and cook for another 9 minutes or until the rice is al dente and the vegetables are tender.
    Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • Add the onion, carrot, celery and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, about 8 minutes. 2: Add the water, beans (with their liquid), tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, oregano and red pepper flakes, if using, and stir to combine.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • No need to dirty another pot, wait for water to boil, or do more dishes.
    Nicole Hopper, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Bouillon is a word from the 17th century for a liquid to boil, usually offcuts of meat, but vegetables too, that make an inexpensive, hearty broth.
    BYAlex Ledsom, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Sierra Ferrell is also on board this boundary-blurring tour that will spin through the U.S. until July 1 with stops including Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Denver and Seattle before wrapping in San Francisco.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • The cage spins along four independent axes at 60 seconds, 18 seconds, 15 seconds, and 60 seconds respectively, creating a stunning visual effect of synchronized motion.
    Matthew Catellier, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • After Harry leaves, Eddie sits in silence, seething as a single tear streams down his face.
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The two kids are just sitting there reacting to it, and Richard Dreyfuss is just sitting there seething.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Churn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/churn. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

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