meander 1 of 2

meander

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb meander contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of meander are ramble, roam, rove, traipse, and wander. While all these words mean "to go about from place to place usually without a plan or definite purpose," meander implies a winding or intricate course suggestive of aimless or listless wandering.

the river meanders for miles through rich farmland

When would ramble be a good substitute for meander?

The words ramble and meander can be used in similar contexts, but ramble stresses carelessness and indifference to one's course or objective.

the speaker rambled on without ever coming to the point

When might roam be a better fit than meander?

The meanings of roam and meander largely overlap; however, roam suggests wandering about freely and often far afield.

liked to roam through the woods

When can rove be used instead of meander?

While in some cases nearly identical to meander, rove suggests vigorous and sometimes purposeful roaming.

armed brigands roved over the countryside

When is traipse a more appropriate choice than meander?

Although the words traipse and meander have much in common, traipse implies a course that is erratic but may sometimes be purposeful.

traipsed all over town looking for the right dress

When is it sensible to use wander instead of meander?

The synonyms wander and meander are sometimes interchangeable, but wander implies an absence of or an indifference to a fixed course.

fond of wandering about the square just watching the people

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 meander
Verb
Separated from the main resort, villas are spread apart and dotted along meandering paths that are lined with towering pine, lemon and lush pomegranate trees. Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 Young artists want to reclaim their vision Doug Hyde: ‘The stone speaks to me’ PRESCOTT, Ariz. — Doug Hyde meanders around the yard of his home and studio, pointing out stashes of stone. Debra Utacia Krol, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024
Noun
Rhino and elephant meander across the veld once more. Jim Dobson, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2024 On social media, Harris' campaign has been leaning into references to Trump's age, pointing out moments where Trump slurs his words or meanders. Aaron Navarro, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for meander 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meander
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
  • In about 30 minutes the dish is ready, an encouraging tangle of tasty equilibrium.
    Scott Hocker, theweek, 26 Nov. 2024
  • His proof only guaranteed, for instance, that the circle could be found in his sponge — not that all homeomorphic knots could be, their loops and tangles still intact.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 26 Nov. 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
  • Michigan, New York and other parts of the Great Lakes region remain on alert as lake-effect snow continues to create near-whiteout conditions, leading to dangerous traffic snarls in some areas since Friday.
    Ashley R. Williams, CNN, 30 Nov. 2024
  • Now, with several states already in the process of sending and receiving mail-in ballots, voters might look at the supply chain snarls and immediate price spikes as one more reason not to vote to keep the status quo.
    Max Thornberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 3 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Visit historic mansions, dine at farm-to-table restaurants, sip coffee while strolling the North-South County Trailway—there’s nature, cuisine, art, shopping, and much more, all on offer in these distinctly East Coast locales.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The gardens will be decorated for the first Christmas tree stroll through Dec. 15, with trees decorated by local organizations on display.
    Orlando Sentinel Staff, Orlando Sentinel, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Such is the case with this new secure connection warning for Android users of Google’s Chrome web browser.
    Davey Winder, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
  • Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old man arrested and charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan on Dec. 4, had a significant online footprint before most web platforms suspended his accounts.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 13 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
Noun
  • Practically every type of metal and e-waste is recycled somewhere in this labyrinth.
    Vince Beiser, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024
  • In Greek mythology, the Minotaur — with the head of a bull and body of a man — was imprisoned at the center of a labyrinth in Crete and ate anyone who couldn’t find their way out.
    Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2024

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Cite this Entry

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

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