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

Imagine walking through your perfect itinerary for your trip to Rome only to have blisters and sore feet on day one, curbing your ability to wander the city’s romantic streets. —

Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2024 Visual art exhibitions to see Take some time to wander a museum or gallery this season. —

Alex Golden, Axios, 3 Nov. 2024 Hahn's villainous Agatha formed a coven and began to wander down a dark, twisted version of the Yellow Brick Road. —

Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 31 Oct. 2024 Since the first film shot in Hollywood in 1910, the ghosts of film and television stars like Marilyn Monroe are said to wander Hollywood’s homes, streets and watering holes. —

Michael Goldstein, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wander

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wander

Verb

Most of the dogs love roaming around by themselves, but there's no doubt which breed likes to be around the staff at all times.

Alyce Collins, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
The story unfolds in a single spot from a single camera position, from dinosaurs roaming the ground where a home is later constructed and where families spend decades of their lives.

Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 2 Nov. 2024