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

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

Verb

Next, wander to Parque España and Parque México, the Condesa neighborhood’s iconic parks. —

Jennifer Fernández Solano, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 Also, at one point, Mark and Helly wander down the labyrinth of brightly-lit, indistinguishable hallways on their floor, open a door, and find a guy feeding milk to baby goats. —

Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 15 Jan. 2025 Early in the novel, Burt wanders alone around the institution. —

Michael S. Rosenwald, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025 For another onsite dining option, wander to Madeline’s high-end Timber Room for tater tots covered with caviar, Alpine fondue, wagyu strip loin and a 32-ounce bison tomahawk steak. —

Linnea Covington, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for wander

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wander

Verb

With millions of animals roaming our planet, some are rarely spotted by people.

— Stories by Real-Time news team, with AI summarization, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025
His dribbling ability helps him in tight spaces as well, or when roaming towards the wide areas (as can be seen below).

— The Athletic UK Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025