fly 1 of 2

1
as in to hover
to move through the air with or as if with outstretched wings the Wright brothers realized mankind's age-old wish to fly

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
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as in to pass
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval the familiar "Because I said so!" is a reason that won't fly with most teenagers

Synonyms & Similar Words

fly

2 of 2

noun

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 fly
Verb
The two astronauts who in June flew to orbit on the Boeing Starliner's first crewed flight test are poised to at long last return to Earth this month. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025 The flight profile called for the Super Heavy booster to fly back to the launch tower caught on the tower’s pivoting arms called chopsticks. Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
An American flag and a U.S. Department of Education flag fly outside the US Department of Education building in Washington, D.C., U.S., Feb. 1, 2025. Annie Nova, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2025 Grey Zabel, North Dakota State offensive lineman To be a fly on the wall during the conversation between Zabel and McDaniel at the combine. David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fly
Verb
  • The price of bitcoin was last hovering flat at $88,949.16, according to Coin Metrics.
    Tanaya Macheel, CNBC, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Preferring to take her chances solo, in the outside world, rather than go with Helena Eagan (Britt Lower) to meet with the board, Harmony’s whereabouts — and loyalties — have been a major question mark hovering over Season 2’s steadily escalating events.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The 48 men were arrested by Thai authorities 11 years ago after crossing the border to Thailand in an attempt to escape persecution in China and had been kept in detention and legal limbo ever since.
    Kocha Olarn, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025
  • But in 2023 she and her associate Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested for child abuse after one of Franke’s sons escaped from Hildebrandt’s home in Utah.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Measles cases are popping up around the country, too, many of them related to travel.
    Neha Mukherjee, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Jack Posobiec, a right-wing influencer who rose to prominence by pushing conspiracy theories such as Pizzagate, was invited by Pentagon officials to travel on Hegseth’s first trip overseas.
    Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In May 2023, while awaiting trial in a Virginia jail, Marin-Sotelo and another inmate managed to escape, with Marin-Sotelo fleeing to Mexico.
    Max Saltman, CNN, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The sheriff’s office said a man fled the scene, but was taken into custody a short time later with assistance from BSO’s K-9, Aviation and T.I.T.A.N. (Threat Intervention Tactics Analytics Network) units.
    Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Potato Cakes were replaced by crinkle fries in 2021, then briefly rejoined Arby’s menu in July 2024, but once again disappeared—resulting in an outcry from fans on social media.
    Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Without the department, an important incentive to treat all children with dignity and respect could disappear.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The host’s original intent was to allocate an equal slice to each child’s branch, thus, if one child is absent, that branch’s share is passed along to that child’s offspring.
    Ashley Case, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • While Hackman was not one of the actors listed by Chalamet in his speech, in the immediate aftermath of his passing, many have been quick to define the two-time Oscar winner similarly as one of the greatest performers to ever burn up the stage and screen.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 1 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • That margin was extended to 61 votes after the county canvass, which included a re-tabulation of absentee ballots in Battle Creek.
    Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 12 Dec. 2024
  • How North Carolina's electoral votes are awarded In the Tarheel State, after the election is complete, the State Board of Elections performs a canvass and then issues a certificate of election.
    Erin Mansfield, USA TODAY, 25 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Erect blackberries like 'Navaho' can be planed in traditional rows or grown as a hedge.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Lionsgate has several festivities planed including special events, anniversary screenings, new experiences, and new collectible merchandise, culminating in the release of Ballerina: From the World of John Wick next year on June 6.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Fly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fly. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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