WANDER Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'wander' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of wander are meander , ramble , roam , rove , and traipse . While all these words mean "to go about from place to place usually without a plan or definite purpose," wander implies an absence of or an indifference to a fixed course. // fond of wandering about the square just watching the people

Q: When might 'meander' be a better fit than 'wander'?

The words meander and wander are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, meander implies a winding or intricate course suggestive of aimless or listless wandering. // the river meanders for miles through rich farmland

Q: When is 'ramble' a more appropriate choice than 'wander'?

The meanings of ramble and wander largely overlap; however, ramble stresses carelessness and indifference to one's course or objective. // the speaker rambled on without ever coming to the point

Q: When would 'roam' be a good substitute for 'wander'?

The words roam and wander can be used in similar contexts, but roam suggests wandering about freely and often far afield. // liked to roam through the woods

Q: When can 'rove' be used instead of 'wander'?

While in some cases nearly identical to wander , rove suggests vigorous and sometimes purposeful roaming. // armed brigands roved over the countryside

Q: In what contexts can 'traipse' take the place of 'wander'?

The synonyms traipse and wander are sometimes interchangeable, but traipse implies a course that is erratic but may sometimes be purposeful. // traipsed all over town looking for the right dress

wander 1 of 2

verb

ˈwän-dər

Definition of wander next

as in to roam

to move about from place to place aimlessly we just went outside and wandered around until it was time to go

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to trespass

to commit an offense we have all wandered from the path of righteousness at least once in our lives

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

wander

2 of 2

noun

as in stroll

a relaxed journey on foot for exercise or pleasure a wander through the woods

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb wander contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of wander are meander, ramble, roam, rove, and traipse. While all these words mean "to go about from place to place usually without a plan or definite purpose," wander implies an absence of or an indifference to a fixed course.

fond of wandering about the square just watching the people

When might meander be a better fit than wander?

The words meander and wander are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, meander implies a winding or intricate course suggestive of aimless or listless wandering.

the river meanders for miles through rich farmland

When is ramble a more appropriate choice than wander?

The meanings of ramble and wander largely overlap; however, ramble stresses carelessness and indifference to one's course or objective.

the speaker rambled on without ever coming to the point

When would roam be a good substitute for wander?

The words roam and wander can be used in similar contexts, but roam suggests wandering about freely and often far afield.

liked to roam through the woods

When can rove be used instead of wander?

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

armed brigands roved over the countryside

In what contexts can traipse take the place of wander?

The synonyms traipse and wander are sometimes interchangeable, but traipse implies a course that is erratic but may sometimes be purposeful.

traipsed all over town looking for the right dress

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 wander

Verb

Stroll by the White House, Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument and take your time wandering the halls of the National Gallery of Art, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the International Spy Museum. —

Catherine Garcia, theweek, 2 Dec. 2024 In both cases, the fall of a whole city seemed implausible until images of jihadists wandering around Mosul and Aleppo circulated on social media. —

Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Dec. 2024 In the footage, the coyote can be seen wandering in a dark street as the TikTok creator was out walking his dog. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024 Hagaman said tracking tags like AirTags or Tiles can also help, and his officers have even purchased some for families in the area who have children that often wander. —

Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wander

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wander

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