churning

Definition of churningnext
present participle of churn
1
as in swirling
to be in a state of violent rolling motion a churning sea made getting to the island a risky undertaking

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 churning Before the Chase Center crowd could wonder what was coming, Jocytė had already climbed on the stationary bike, her legs churning while the Indiana Fever seized momentum early in the second half Thursday night. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 29 May 2026 In 2019, a mysterious post took off on 4chan, that ever-churning morass of anonymous commentary and internet peculiarities. David Sims, The Atlantic, 27 May 2026 Melting snow patches and churning snow-making machines marked much of the late winter conditions across California ski areas this year. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2026 Good morning, Mason Miller was on the wrong side of a twisting turning gut-churning ninth inning this time. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026 Like many of the island’s residents, fortysomething Silvia makes a modest living harvesting and selling the seaweed deposited on the beach by churning, generous waters. Guy Lodge, Variety, 20 May 2026 Despite the grimness of the scene, the tone of the song is peppy and disorientingly pretty, with a shivery Dorian twist in its churning melody. Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 19 May 2026 Enrollment in the Affordable Care Act continues to erode as some customers struggle to make premium payments, with the declining numbers churning market uncertainty for insurers. Julie Appleby, CBS News, 19 May 2026 And, in the aftermath of a stomach-churning stick-up that twisted my guts with the queasy horror of a repressed memory, Gary is given a week to make the problem go away. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 16 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for churning
Verb
  • Ready to direct and protect, both from the men and from the swirling chaos that might otherwise harm you.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
  • As investigators renew the hunt for Lynette, speculation is swirling over where Brian may be following the mystery around his wife's disappearance.
    Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • At Eau Bar during early sunset, spring for a poolside lounger to catch a soul-stirring ceremony of bodu beru drummers walking the edge of a circular infinity pool, torch-lighting a fire ring backed by a fading horizon.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
  • The Human Is Staying In The Picture (Mostly) Screenwriter and director Paul Schrader, at nearly 80 years old an unlikely technology provocateur, delivered a talk at AI on the Lot peppered with pot-stirring takes.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • Cook and stir over medium-high until boiling.
    Jessica Saari Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2026
  • Begin by pouring approximately 2 cups of hot boiling hot or boiling water down the sink drain.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • The prototype was integrated with low-loss superconducting windings, a novel brushless starting mechanism, and internal cryogenic cooling that functions while spinning.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 June 2026
  • On one side of the ball, the spinning surface moves in the same direction as the airflow, causing an increase in air velocity.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • After seeing his parents vanquished, young Adam is quickly sent by the Sorceress (Morena Baccarin) with his all-powerful sword whirling away to Earth.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 2 June 2026
  • Admittedly, on its best day, Penn Station feels like a whirling dervish.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • An edgy confrontation The Rangers were still seething as Keenan attempted to address the team following a demoralizing 3-1 loss, with a few snapping back or muttering under their breath.
    Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • Was Tom seething on the inside?
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 12 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Churning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/churning. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

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