DRIFT Synonyms: 168 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'drift' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of drift are current , tendency , tenor , and trend . While all these words mean "movement in a particular direction," drift may apply to a tendency determined by external forces, or it may apply to an underlying or obscure trend of meaning or discourse. // the drift of the population away from large cities // got the drift of her argument

Q: When could 'current' be used to replace 'drift'?

The words current and drift can be used in similar contexts, but current implies a clearly defined but not necessarily unalterable course. // an encounter that changed the current of my life

Q: When would 'tendency' be a good substitute for 'drift'?

The words tendency and drift are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tendency implies an inclination sometimes amounting to an impelling force. // a general tendency toward inflation

Q: Where would 'tenor' be a reasonable alternative to 'drift'?

Although the words tenor and drift have much in common, tenor stresses a clearly perceptible direction and a continuous, undeviating course. // the tenor of the times

Q: When can 'trend' be used instead of 'drift'?

The synonyms trend and drift are sometimes interchangeable, but trend applies to the general direction maintained by a winding or irregular course. // the long-term trend of the stock market is upward

drift 1 of 2

verb

Definition of drift next

as in to flow

to move or proceed smoothly and readily casual conversation drifting from one topic to another

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to hover

to rest or move along the surface of a liquid or in the air the boat drifted along on the current

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to wander

to move about from place to place aimlessly spent several years drifting from town to town, picking up odd jobs whenever he needed cash

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drift

2 of 2

noun

ˈdrift

as in mound

a pile or ridge of granular matter (as sand or snow) deep drifts of snow blocked our driveway

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in tide

a prevailing or general movement or inclination the steady drift of the population away from large cities

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as in sense

the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action you should expect a visit from the stork, if you get my drift

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word drift different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of drift are current, tendency, tenor, and trend. While all these words mean "movement in a particular direction," drift may apply to a tendency determined by external forces, or it may apply to an underlying or obscure trend of meaning or discourse.

the drift of the population away from large cities

got the drift of her argument

When could current be used to replace drift?

The words current and drift can be used in similar contexts, but current implies a clearly defined but not necessarily unalterable course.

an encounter that changed the current of my life

When would tendency be a good substitute for drift?

The words tendency and drift are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tendency implies an inclination sometimes amounting to an impelling force.

a general tendency toward inflation

Where would tenor be a reasonable alternative to drift?

Although the words tenor and drift have much in common, tenor stresses a clearly perceptible direction and a continuous, undeviating course.

the tenor of the times

When can trend be used instead of drift?

The synonyms trend and drift are sometimes interchangeable, but trend applies to the general direction maintained by a winding or irregular course.

the long-term trend of the stock market is upward

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 drift

Verb

Scientists long thought that tiny turtles drifted passively with ocean currents, literally going with the flow. —

Christina Larson, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025 Even before the catastrophic fires inflicted billions in damage, as well as the tragic loss of life, California was drifting toward demographic purgatory – not quite hell, but certainly not the direction that a vibrant state should be headed. —

Jon Coupal, Orange County Register, 3 Feb. 2025

Noun

Before this, the public got a peek at the pandas — who arrived at the Washington D.C. zoo in October and remained off exhibit — in an adorable video of the pair rolling and sliding through snow drifts in their habitat earlier in the month. —

Rachel Raposas, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025 However, in the midst of this drift, are leaders fostering clarity and connection? —

Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for drift

Recent Examples of Synonyms for drift

Verb

Corporate news While investors wait for broad economic signs, company news continued to flow.

— Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025
Videos and photos of the bright orange lava flowing down the mountainside went viral after a group of hikers posted them on social media.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN, 18 Feb. 2025