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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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
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The mood is lurching between calm and doom-mongering chaos.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
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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
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To get by offensively, Rajaković is going to have to stagger his prolific scorers pretty strongly.—
Eric Koreen,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
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To avoid the logistical logjams that had been predicted, the rollout is being staggered.—
Julia Buckley,
CNN Money,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Some firms have scurried to ship early, but even a few days’ delay at sea could blow up their margins.—
Veronique De Rugy,
Oc Register,
17 Oct. 2025
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Inside, there’s the occasional model being fitted and photographed, outside there are truck drivers, caterers, lighting specialists and many more milling around or scurrying about.—
Evan Clark,
Footwear News,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Stacking them on top of each other had only spread the grit into the spongy pores beneath the caps, speeding up their decay.—
Callie Sumlin,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
15 Oct. 2025
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The data showed that where Maggie's phone was found, Alex had slowed down and then sped away.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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But with victory comes hustle as stores hurried to fill the demand of playoff gear.—
Ricardo Torres,
jsonline.com,
14 Oct. 2025
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Duane heard the shooting and hurried around to help.—
Marguerite Reiss,
Outdoor Life,
9 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Careen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careen. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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