churn

1
as in to swirl
to be in a state of violent rolling motion a churning sea made getting to the island a risky undertaking

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

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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 churn But markets have churned since Trump escalated trade tensions last week, sowing uncertainty across the world’s largest economy. Hugh Son, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2025 Necessity has transformed this country into a nation of drone-makers, who churn them out from factory assembly lines and mom-and-pop operations like the one in the basement apartment in Kyiv. Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 12 Apr. 2025 Hands-on lessons will include pottery making, making ropes, and churning butter. Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 Harvey’s not as fast but is probably more elusive out in space and, like Tuten, churned a ton of yardage after contact in college despite playing at around 200 pounds. Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for churn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for churn
Verb
  • Taylor made clear his intent to run again for mayor well before Thao’s recall election in November, while rumors of Lee’s candidacy began swirling even before the ex-mayor’s removal became official in December.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
  • While President Donald Trump paused his heavy reciprocal tariffs on countries for 90 days, his 10% universal tariff still stands, and there’s swirling uncertainty about what kind of levies are to come moving forward.
    Shannon Carroll, Quartz, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and add garlic, thyme, 1 teaspoon of the salt and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
    Nicole Hopper, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Add the cheddar, ham and chives and stir with a fork to combine.
    Nicole Hvidsten, Boston Herald, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • No need to dirty another pot, wait for water to boil, or do more dishes.
    Nicole Hopper, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Bouillon is a word from the 17th century for a liquid to boil, usually offcuts of meat, but vegetables too, that make an inexpensive, hearty broth.
    BYAlex Ledsom, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Less than two months later, the Warriors then spun Schröder to the Pistons in the multi-team trade that sent Jimmy Butler to the Bay Area.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Although deGrom gave up just one run over seven strong innings, Yamamoto spun seven scoreless innings at Globe Life Field.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Especially during the pandemic, when there was so much anxiety, just seething under the surface.
    Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • April 5, 2025 at 6:34 PM PDT Loading your audio article Hundreds of thousands of people flocked to the nation’s streets Saturday in an eruption of anger, alarm and seething discontent over President Donald Trump’s wholesale remaking of America’s economy, its government and its place in the world.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Churn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/churn. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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