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 The Athletic is a major driver of the rumor churning, with ESPN closely behind. Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2025 There are also dairy-free options and low-sugar or others incorporating sugar substitutes, which are churned using the dedicated Lite Ice Cream function. Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 July 2025 This is why: the plates move slowly (as befits continent-sized slabs of rock floating atop slowly churning magma), at just about 3 inches a year. Kiona N. Smith, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025 This would feed star formation in the thick central stellar bar that churns around the center of our galaxy. Robert Lea, Space.com, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for churn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for churn
Verb
  • As summer winds down and whispers of fall and the coming year begin to swirl, our thoughts naturally turn to what 2026 might bring.
    Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Warm magnolia, Bulgarian rose, tangerine, and musk swirl into a skin-hugging composition that’s sultry, subtle, and undeniably chic—just like the icon herself.
    Dan Michel, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Cook over high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Aug. 2025
  • While the girl kicked and laughed, the water, stirred from its sleep, latched on to her ankle and then swallowed her whole.
    Tochi Eze August 5, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Dominating a narrow workflow beats boiling the ocean. 3.
    Ashis Ghosh, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • To keep things healthy, try baking or boiling them instead of deep frying.2 When consumed unripe, plantains cause a slower rise in blood sugar compared to ripe bananas or refined carbs.
    T'Keyah Bazin, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Eovaldi, a former Yankee, spun a gem in Texas, allowing just one hit while walking none and striking out six over eight scoreless innings and 98 pitches.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Again immersing the viewer in the uncanny environments of the small towns along the coast of Cornwall, Jenkin spins a sci-fi-tinged tale of dislocation and regeneration.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • His detractors seethe that his aggressiveness will some day backfire.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The victors gloat, the losers seethe and neither side gives an inch.
    Austin Meek, New York Times, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Churn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/churn. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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