float 1 of 2

1
as in to hover
to rest or move along the surface of a liquid or in the air a canoe floating down the river particles of dust floating in the air

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2

float

2 of 2

noun

as in dock
a structure used by boats and ships for taking on or landing cargo and passengers the crew put the cargo on the float before heading back down the river

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Examples 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 float
Verb
But the actual threat of fire has always floated as a low-lingering cloud of possibility that never really landed. Ali Martin, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Dec. 2024 Western allies have floated the possibility of peace talks, but fighting has intensified as Ukraine seeks to solidify gains and Russia deploys increasingly aggressive measures. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
As the illuminated floats, giant character balloons and marching bands of Denver’s annual 9News Parade of Lights crawl through the city this weekend, travelers can expect delays and detours on public transportation. Lauren Penington, The Denver Post, 5 Dec. 2024 Any remaining plastic floats to the surface and is skimmed off. Vince Beiser, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for float 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for float
Verb
  • That weekend, at the grocery store, Eliza hovered near the cosmetics wall and, almost without looking, tossed in mascara, concealer, lip gloss, and sped to the checkout, feeling furtive.
    Lauren Groff, The New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2024
  • On Tuesday, special forces troops were observed encircling the parliament building and army helicopters were hovering over it.
    Landon Mion, Fox News, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Understanding black bears Black bears roam across much of North America.
    Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
  • This shadowy faction has been roaming the galaxy and mass-converting citizens, but their intent is unknown — something for players to discover over the coming weeks and months.
    Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Dockworkers and freight companies feud over automation A strike in October at docks across the East and Gulf coasts threatened to upend the economy and drive up prices, but workers and management ended the stoppage with a tentative agreement after three days.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Activities include dock diving for dogs, lure courses, beer garden, a variety of food trucks and shopping, pet products and pet adoption opportunities.
    Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Many of the incompletions were the result of his inaccuracy as Darnold sailed multiple passes toward the sideline and over the middle.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, The Athletic, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who sailed to an easy reelection for his sixth term last year, announced that would be his final campaign.
    Ryan Gillespie, Orlando Sentinel, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Fickell could be forgiven for allowing his mind to wander.
    Jesse Temple, The Athletic, 5 Dec. 2024
  • Imagine sweating it out in a sauna after a day of adventure, then stepping into the dome to stretch, breathe, or simply let your mind wander.
    Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Sheer curtains cover the windows, which look out on the building next door rather than the wharf itself, and the theme is much more timeless elegance than nautical transportation.
    Jeanne O'Brien Coffey, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
  • The three-story red-brick box with a little blue door was built in the 1860s as workforce housing by the Atlantic Dock Company, which once ran the wharf nearby.
    Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 18 Sep. 2024
Verb
  • Some individuals of the species might have been swimming there since colonial times — and researchers are just beginning to unravel how.
    Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Fish swimming in a melting river of agar and red bean jellies.
    Caroline Newton, Bon Appétit, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Winds cold gust as high at 35 mph and cause blowing and drifting snow and low visibilities. Expect icy roads.
    Tanya Wildt, Detroit Free Press, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Users are likely to drift into a state of physical and mental relaxation, becoming calm, tranquil, and aware.
    Lydia Kariuki, The Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Float.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/float. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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