careen

verb

kə-ˈrēn How to pronounce careen (audio)
Definition of careennext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 careen The crash in the Houston suburb of Katy gained immense attention after video from the incident showed the car careening into the side of the home. — Samantha Elkins, NBC news, 25 June 2026 The fatal hit-and-run occurred less than two hours after a 13-year-old boy was killed riding on the back of a moped in Queens after his friend slammed into an open car door and then careened into a moving truck. — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 30 June 2026 Steele’s video shows a black Jeep Cherokee pass his vehicle on the left shoulder, hitting the front of his vehicle and careening across lanes of traffic to strike Wright’s SUV. — Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 23 June 2026 The ruling comes a month after a pickup careened at more than 50 mph into a crowd of people near the intersection of 85th Avenue and International Boulevard. — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for careen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careen
  1. lurch
  2. stagger
  3. scurry
  4. sway
  5. weave
  6. speed
  7. rock
  8. hurry
Verb
  • Once, somewhere in southern Virginia, Dad performed the customary lurch off the highway in the direction of a promising barbecue counter.
    — Rachel Tepper Paley, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026
  • The same boom-and-bust dependency on the oil industry, whose profits were now funnelled through the regime and its allies, kept the country lurching from one crisis to the next.
    — Armando Ledezma, New Yorker, 30 June 2026
Definition of lurch
Verb
  • Implementation of the program will be staggered, starting in elementary schools in 2030, for Texas’ more than 5 million students – about 10% of the national total.
    — Charles J. Russo, The Conversation, 29 June 2026
  • Since the notices will be staggered, however, some borrowers may have more time.
    — Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of stagger
Verb
  • Meanwhile, in King’s Landing, Alicent scurries the great halls, desperate to shore up support for her plan to hand Rhaenyra the Red Keep.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026
  • This lakeside meal tops things off with ice cream sandwiches, a classic dessert for scurrying around the dock, deck, and everywhere in between.
    — Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 28 June 2026
Definition of scurry
Verb
  • Some gold ETFs directly invest in bullion kept in vaults, while others invest in shares of mining companies that tend to follow the price of gold while also being swayed by the companies' management decisions, efficiency and financials.
    — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 1 July 2026
  • Socially aware quasi-outsider Dustin (Zac Looker) will take a second longer to sway.
    — Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of sway
Verb
  • Experienced vine dressers weave the canes into basket-like forms that rest close to the island’s volcanic soil, protecting grapes from wind and harsh conditions.
    — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Wingate weaves this historical horror with a modern-day mystery, illustrating the lasting trauma of children stolen for profit and the unbreakable bond of blood.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
Definition of weave
Verb
  • Cain pointed out that having the president of the United States greasing the wheels definitely helped speed things along.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Boise and Ada County have created infractions for speeding on the Greenbelt, and the city worked with Lime, a popular electric transportation company, to limit scooter speeds in parts of the city.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026
Definition of speed
Verb
  • The following year, she was also seen rocking a cap branded with Swift from her 1989 era, as well as a pair of shorts repping The Life of a Showgirl.
    — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
  • The allegations against Platner are the latest in a string of accusations of malfeasance, which have rocked Democrats who are eager to defeat Collins.
    — Garrett Downs,Justin Papp, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Definition of rock
Verb
  • Locals and tourists hurried around the pavilions showcasing the best of each state and territory.
    — Rob Crilly, The Washington Examiner, 30 June 2026
  • But hurry, — the popular shade is selling out fast.
    — Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
Definition of hurry

Browse Nearby Words

cared (for)
careen
careened
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Cite this Entry

“Careen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careen. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on careen

Nglish: Translation of careen for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about careen

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