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
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Recent Examples of careen
In the North Jersey town of Bethlehem, a hit-and-run driver struck a pickup truck on Interstate 78, sending it careening into a tractor-trailer parked on the side of the highway, police said.
—
Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2025
As the Netflix medical drama begins, an oncoming hurricane causes a bus of student athletes to careen off a bridge into the ocean.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 3 Apr. 2025
The series opens with a school bus careening off a bridge and plunging into the water below and only gets wilder from there.
—Barry Levitt, Time, 3 Apr. 2025
But with no immediate answer under center, the search may be careening toward a star with more baggage than recent wins.
—Ryan Deto, Axios, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for careen
Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2025
As the Netflix medical drama begins, an oncoming hurricane causes a bus of student athletes to careen off a bridge into the ocean.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 3 Apr. 2025
The series opens with a school bus careening off a bridge and plunging into the water below and only gets wilder from there.
—Barry Levitt, Time, 3 Apr. 2025
But with no immediate answer under center, the search may be careening toward a star with more baggage than recent wins.
—Ryan Deto, Axios, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for careen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careen
Verb
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My stomach dropped as my seat lurched backwards, pointing me towards the shoreline.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
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As the war lurched into its fourth year, Russian losses of tanks, fighting vehicles and other heavy equipment had exceeded 20,000, according to the analysts at the Oryx intelligence collective, which confirms each loss with imagery from the front line.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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As Harry staggers away from what's left of his victim, Richie seems satisfied.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
20 Apr. 2025
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The data collection efforts that have been shut down or are at risk of being curtailed are staggering in their breadth.—
Alec MacGillis,
ProPublica,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Their eyes are more sensitive to movement, so fast-moving visuals—like scurrying mice—are particularly engaging.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
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Dismounting, the ship’s captain unlocked the outer gate, and his men scurried into the courtyard, squeezing through the small door that led into the gunpowder room.—
Andrew Lawler,
Smithsonian Magazine,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Combs’ defense team made arguments for delaying the trial up to two months, but the judge was not swayed.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
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Tribal dancers stomp and sway alongside breakdancers, all in one continuous shot that becomes an anachronistic continuum of Black musical expression across the ages.—
A.A. Dowd,
Rolling Stone,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Sherrod opened the scoring with a 65-yard touchdown, weaving through the defense before breaking into the open backfield.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
20 Apr. 2025
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Emotive, enchanting and exotic, the track weaves kalimba and chanting vocals with soft, brooding piano and string parts — and even a subtle harp.—
Katie Bain,
Billboard,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 sped to a strong finish on MTV.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
23 Apr. 2025
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Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Twisted Metal Season 2 is speeding into view, with a release date set for later this year.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
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He’s enjoyed his journey so far, rocking stages from small venues, such as nightclubs, to even having a brief performance at Rolling Loud.—
Marcus D. Smith,
Sacbee.com,
18 Apr. 2025
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Investors looking for winners in the age of AI should follow the advice of Don Valentine, the late founder of Sequoia Capital. Tariffs and tech—these twin forces are rocking the world, from markets to militaries.—
Rich Karlgaard,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Ron hurried to change positions before the tom flew down.—
Thomas Weddle,
Outdoor Life,
17 Apr. 2025
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Traders in January hurried to build up inventories ahead of tariffs, according to a recent USA TODAY analysis.—
Dian Zhang,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Careen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careen. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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