1
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
2
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
as in stroll
a relaxed journey on foot for exercise or pleasure
a wander through the woods
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 wander
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 June 2026
The 1,200-pound giraffe, named Gracie, wandered away from her unfenced habitat at Cedar Hollow Ranch in Leakey, Texas, on June 12.
—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2026
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
14 June 2026
Just a few blocks from the hotel, Broughton Street is an easy wander for browsing boutiques like the Posh Loft and Paris Market, followed by a coffee at the Coffee Fox.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for wander
Verb
Gracie disappeared from Cedar Hollow Ranch in Real County, about two hours outside of San Antonio, June 18 after wandering onto a rocky hillside where the ranch’s other giraffes don’t typically go, according to ranch manager Vick Jones.
—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 June 2026
The 1,200-pound giraffe, named Gracie, wandered away from her unfenced habitat at Cedar Hollow Ranch in Leakey, Texas, on June 12.
—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2026
Noun
In the dining room’s previous lives—say, as Flora Bar, in the Met days—lunch might be followed by a wander upstairs to see a collection of Munch or Celmins paintings, and diners at Marcel can similarly tour certain Sotheby’s floors that are open to the public.
—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
14 June 2026
Just a few blocks from the hotel, Broughton Street is an easy wander for browsing boutiques like the Posh Loft and Paris Market, followed by a coffee at the Coffee Fox.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for wander
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wander
Verb
-
Marguerite Henry's story follows real-life siblings who hope to capture and own one of the wild ponies that roam the Virginia and Maryland coast.
-
Young children will appreciate the room to roam, while those who want to people watch couldn't ask for a better spot.
Verb
-
Instead of Cady as rapist, Cape Fear seems to be going for a general theme of Cady as violator, someone who is trespassing not singularly on a female body but on the Bowdens’ trustworthiness.
-
The government has no place to trespass on a founding principle of this nation.
Noun
-
This linen-blend striped shirt might inspire you to take a stroll by the Seine.
-
Even a slower stroll—just 2 mph—can improve all of the health markers above, the study found.
Verb
-
With tuition rising, many Americans are drifting toward the view that college isn’t worth the expense.
-
But the sailboat had drifted into shallow water, and the rescue boat could not reach the vessel.
Verb
-
The woman fell about 1,500 vertical feet, from around 12,000 feet to about 11,500 feet.
-
The report will also provide insight into whether American workers’ paychecks are falling further behind inflation.
Noun
-
The Mariners batted around in the sixth, with their first five hitters reaching base on four hits and one walk.
-
The four-time MVP has 82 strikeouts and 24 walks in 79 2/3 innings this season.
Verb
-
Finally, the report argues that Yale has strayed from its focus on rigor and academic excellence.
-
The market began to pay close attention to stray words and nuances.
Cite this Entry
“Wander.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wander. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
