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 there are dangerous waters churning, and any missteps by Trump could cost him dearly. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 14 June 2025 This is one of the innumerable governmental bodies that churns away doing stuff Congress has decided is worth funding, allowing for things like visits from authors to libraries or new exhibits at museums to happen. John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025 Numerous other boats were damaged that day as the powerful thunderstorm churned up waves and sent boats smashing into each other and the marina, according to KCRA-TV. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 23 June 2025 Tropical Storm Cosme also is churning in the Eastern Pacific. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for churn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for churn
Verb
  • Despite the macroeconomic factors swirling over Wall Street, a relative calm has descended across markets.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 27 June 2025
  • Place your left hand on top of the glass, sealing it, while swirling the glass vigorously with your right (meaning that both hands are now swirling together).
    Felipe Schrieberg, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Just the idea of a super-fight between generations has already stirred the pot.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • Roast, stirring twice, until corn is browned, about 20 minutes.
    Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • For snacks, reach for protein-rich options like nuts, cottage cheese, or boiled eggs.1112 Building lean muscle mass can boost your metabolism.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 30 June 2025
  • Most hot springs are actually neutral, Poland said, but the temperatures are so extreme that the bison most likely boiled to death.
    Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Teddy Roosevelt would've been spinning in his grave.
    Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
  • Colin Quinn Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield Colin Quinn has a unique gift for spinning what sounds like idle bar talk into sweeping philosophical statements about the human condition.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Increasingly seething backlash against Boone seems to doubt there’s more to the TV and internet star turned Grammy nominee than these high-flying antics.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 20 June 2025
  • There’s another aspect of the show that mirrors modern times: A seething anger so strong that in one bit Judas deliberately walks into Jesus.
    Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Churn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/churn. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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