1
as in swayed
to make a series of unsteady side-to-side motions
the room lurched with every jolt of the earthquake
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in staggered
to move forward while swaying from side to side
dressed in his zombie costume, the boy lurched down the street in his quest for Halloween candy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lurched
Over the course of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s term, CPS has lurched from budget crisis to budget crisis, able only to muddle through due to record-breaking mayoral declarations of tax-increment-financing surpluses.
—
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
Elsewhere in town, the original creature, played by Christian Bale, has lurched here from Austria still on his lonely quest for companionship.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
Then, just as abruptly, the plane lurched up, slamming everyone back to the ground.
—Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
According to prosecutors, when other drivers honked at him, Alvardo woke up and lurched his vehicle forward, striking 70-year-old crossing guard John Miro, who was on the sidewalk at Sunrise Highway and Merrick Avenue.
—Carolyn Gusoff, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
The big polar bear lurched forward, hitting top speed in two strides.
—Scott Haugen, Outdoor Life, 4 Feb. 2026
As Matt Woosnam reflected recently, the Premier League’s feel-good story has lurched into night terrors.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
The entire tech industry lurched into motion.
—Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026
The relentless Chacon lurched outside after her just as his car door opened and out popped their 6-year-old son, begging his dad to stop.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
Elsewhere in town, the original creature, played by Christian Bale, has lurched here from Austria still on his lonely quest for companionship.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
Then, just as abruptly, the plane lurched up, slamming everyone back to the ground.
—Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
According to prosecutors, when other drivers honked at him, Alvardo woke up and lurched his vehicle forward, striking 70-year-old crossing guard John Miro, who was on the sidewalk at Sunrise Highway and Merrick Avenue.
—Carolyn Gusoff, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
The big polar bear lurched forward, hitting top speed in two strides.
—Scott Haugen, Outdoor Life, 4 Feb. 2026
As Matt Woosnam reflected recently, the Premier League’s feel-good story has lurched into night terrors.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
The entire tech industry lurched into motion.
—Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026
The relentless Chacon lurched outside after her just as his car door opened and out popped their 6-year-old son, begging his dad to stop.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lurched
Verb
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Some were swayed by the benefits the developer offered, and others have been spooked by the possibility of an affordable housing project in their backyard.—
Catherine Odom,
Miami Herald,
14 Mar. 2026
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Moore said he is not swayed by Kalshi and Polymarket’s economic arguments.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Stamina and technique aside, Spyres delivered a deeply human hero staggered by his own vulnerability.—
Justin Davidson,
Vulture,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Commissioners serve two year terms, which are staggered so about half of them expire each January.—
Luke Harold,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Ministers remain haunted by events in September 2000 when former Prime Minister Tony Blair’s government, with a majority as large as Starmer’s now, was rocked as farmers and hauliers blockaded refineries and fuel depots amid fury over taxes levied on petrol and diesel.—
Ian King,
CNBC,
18 Mar. 2026
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He got rocked and didn’t make it through the third inning as the US eventually suffered its lone defeat, 8-6.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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No serious injuries were reported, but the extent of the fire shook residents of the north, who have repeatedly been told by their leaders that Hezbollah was dealt a devastating blow in 2024 during its last war with Israel.—
Natalie Melzer,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Mar. 2026
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With the blessing of Byers and basketball committee chairman Gavitt, the three parties — NCAA, CBS, and the Hyatt — shook hands.—
Bill Hancock,
Kansas City Star,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Aisha jerked and opened her eyes.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Jan. 2026
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The two stood nose-to-nose on the field when the Steelers player grabbed onto Chase’s facemask, jerked his head and appeared to punch him.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
16 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lurched.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lurched. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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