1
as in to flow
to move or proceed smoothly and readily
casual conversation drifting from one topic to another
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
2
as in tide
a prevailing or general movement or inclination
the steady drift of the population away from large cities
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of drift
Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2025
Peace and quiet is required as the moon drifts through Cancer.
—USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2025
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Feb. 2025
Anglers fishing for trout drift in small craft on the lake’s deeper waters.
—Joseph O’Neill, The New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for drift
Verb
But that neutrality has lately drifted into a gentle posture of acceptance, like a one-armed hug.
—Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2025
Peace and quiet is required as the moon drifts through Cancer.
—USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
Pregnant female polar bears typically build their dens in snow drifts on land or sea ice around October or November.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Feb. 2025
Anglers fishing for trout drift in small craft on the lake’s deeper waters.
—Joseph O’Neill, The New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for drift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drift
Verb
-
Conversation flowed into dinner, where the crowd discovered another accessory waiting for them: a luggage tag, ready for the next trip.—
Kristen Tauer,
WWD,
14 Mar. 2025
-
The river flows at a steady pace, making for a relaxing tubing experience that is good for families or large groups.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Rain is possible next week, but chances are only hovering between 20% and 40% on Monday and Tuesday.—
Abigail Hasebroock,
Sun Sentinel,
20 Mar. 2025
-
Arsenal’s wages had hovered around the £230million mark for years, increasing just £11.5m between 2018 and 2023.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
The Athletic,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Elderly residents wandered off without supervision, medications weren’t properly administered, and emergency pull cords in some bedrooms didn’t work, the state alleged.—
Emily Alpert Reyes,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Mar. 2025
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Visitors can wander over 50 acres of natural beauty, including an interactive area for children, a wetland garden featuring native species, and a dedicated space housing over 1,500 roses.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
In the offseason, the senior right-hander put in extensive work to quiet down his maximum-effort delivery on the mound and become more efficient.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Mar. 2025
-
Oh, and Shohei Ohtani will be back on the mound sometime in the first half.—
Tony Blengino,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Following the action on television and feel the tide is about to turn in the favor of one side?—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
21 Mar. 2025
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The Cavaliers quickly turned the tide, responding with a 14-2 run to take an 88-87 lead.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacramento Bee,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Rather than surprising the audience with the plane crash that sets off Death’s design, each iteration of the script opens with a sense of foreboding that something is wrong.—
Todd Gilchrist,
Variety,
17 Mar. 2025
-
Migraine With Aura About 25% of people with migraines experience an aura, a temporary, reversible change in their senses.—
Janelle McSwiggin, MSN,
Health,
17 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
White House Chief Usher A.B. Wynter (Giancarlo Esposito) glides around the White House in his tux, putting out fires and cultivating a pleasant experience for guests.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
20 Mar. 2025
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For this reason, creamy stick foundations and sheer liquid formulas that glide onto the face are the best option.—
Marie Courtois,
Vogue,
18 Mar. 2025
Verb
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That doesn’t mean the idea may not be floated again, especially if the economy slows significantly and as mid-term elections approach.—
Kevin Williams,
CNBC,
22 Mar. 2025
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This architecturally adventurous hotel in Swedish Lapland comprises a collection of Scandi-minimalist cabins—some floating atop the Lule River, others at the edge of a forest that’s frequented by moose.—
Nicholas DeRenzo,
AFAR Media,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Drift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drift. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.
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