1
as in to lurch
to make a series of unsteady side-to-side motions
the sled careened as it barreled down the hill
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of careen
Fisher’s Mustang also careened off the highway and hit a light post, police said.
—
Greg Wehner, Fox News, 7 Jan. 2025
Orlando is beaming after Paolo Banchero’s return (and keeping pace in the East), while Boston is careening further away from championship form with each game.
—Chris Branch, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
The Cinder then careened toward At Attin, with SM-33 doing his best to right the ship enough for a safe-ish landing.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 14 Jan. 2025
Trying to adjust the heat by tapping blindly at a smooth pane of glass while careening down a highway at 75mph isn’t exactly my idea of a good time.
—Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for careen 
Greg Wehner, Fox News, 7 Jan. 2025
Orlando is beaming after Paolo Banchero’s return (and keeping pace in the East), while Boston is careening further away from championship form with each game.
—Chris Branch, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
The Cinder then careened toward At Attin, with SM-33 doing his best to right the ship enough for a safe-ish landing.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 14 Jan. 2025
Trying to adjust the heat by tapping blindly at a smooth pane of glass while careening down a highway at 75mph isn’t exactly my idea of a good time.
—Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for careen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careen
Verb
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With a little modulation in either mode, the throttle is responsive without lurching.—
Kristin Shaw,
Forbes,
13 Jan. 2025
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But Fleming And John play their unholy hybrid with absolute conviction, the drums thundering and guitars lurching as Fleming McWilliams howls out her best Robert Plant.—
Marc Hirsh,
Vulture,
21 Dec. 2024
Verb
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During combat, adrenaline is built up and that’s used for special moves like a Battle Cry that staggers enemies or other tide-turning moves.—
Gieson Cacho,
The Mercury News,
24 Jan. 2025
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Even in 2023 when the Yankees staggered to an 82-win finish their bullpen produced a 3.34 ERA.—
Larry Fleisher,
Forbes,
19 Jan. 2025
Verb
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In the first period, after Victor Hedman whiffed on an offensive-zone shot, Poitras scurried off with Frederic for a two-on-one rush.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
The Athletic,
14 Jan. 2025
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The animal scurried underneath the gate, where Colvin scooped him into his arms.—
John Mac Ghlionn,
Newsweek,
13 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Robin watches closely as Torres and Knight stiffly sway through their first dance.—
Sara Netzley,
EW.com,
4 Feb. 2025
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The audience sang-along with the chorus, swaying back and forth to the beloved ‘60s classic.—
Joe Lynch,
Billboard,
31 Jan. 2025
Verb
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All grifters are storytellers, weaving fictions more seductive than reality.—
Judy Berman,
TIME,
6 Feb. 2025
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For a more subtle look, weave the lights around strands of greenery to create a stunning, and simple, centerpiece.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Trump has promised to cut taxes and ease regulations on business, which could speed GDP growth.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
30 Jan. 2025
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Average morning rush commutes at the Williamsburg and Queensboro bridges have sped up by 30%.—
Evan Simko-Bednarski,
New York Daily News,
29 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Celebrities such as Tracee Ellis Ross, Lisa Rinna, and Nara Smith all leaned into the designer’s signature cartoony silhouettes, bravely rocking exaggerated coats and extra-clunky shoes with pride.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
6 Feb. 2025
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Thompson-Boling Arena, which holds over 21,000 fans, should be rocking for this weeknight conference battle.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
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As the fire roared down a hillside toward their Altadena home, Vanessa Prata and her parents hurried to pack their car.—
Gene Johnson,
The Christian Science Monitor,
12 Jan. 2025
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An aggressive front will hurry Allen in the hopes of avoiding a shootout.—
The Athletic,
The Athletic,
9 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Careen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careen. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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