1
as in ranging
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
1
as in flowing
to move or proceed smoothly and readily
casual conversation drifting from one topic to another
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in floating
to rest or move along the surface of a liquid or in the air
the boat drifted along on the current
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in wandering
to move about from place to place aimlessly
spent several years drifting from town to town, picking up odd jobs whenever he needed cash
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 drifting
Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
The same report notes that Hilton publicly disputes Becerra’s assertion of front-runner status by citing polls indicating a tight race, underscoring that the campaigns are aggressively contesting the narrative rather than drifting in ambiguity.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026
For some, drifting along on a tube is the ultimate way to soak up the scenery, especially when water temperatures rarely exceed 75 degrees.
—Gabi De La Rosa, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026
The Yankees closed within two runs in the seventh when Mets rookie right fielder Carsen Benge dropped Cody Bellinger's drifting fly ball for an error that allowed Aaron Judge to score from second.
—CBS News, 16 May 2026
Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
During Juneteenth weekend, the neighborhood feels less like a district and more like an open invitation — murals, pop-ups, and installations spilling into storefronts and sidewalks, with artists and visitors drifting in and out of shared space.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 14 May 2026
Additionally, the new hand-over-hand steering animations certainly improve the feel of driving from the in-car view if that’s your preferred perspective, and the drifting audience is sure to love that.
—Adam Ismail, The Drive, 14 May 2026
The moon spends the day drifting through the numinous and intuitive sign of Pisces, pulling our attention inward.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
Verb
In another image, Brown was photographed floating underwater in a pool, her dark hair drifting across the bright blue water as sunlight reflected across the surface.
—Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
The same report notes that Hilton publicly disputes Becerra’s assertion of front-runner status by citing polls indicating a tight race, underscoring that the campaigns are aggressively contesting the narrative rather than drifting in ambiguity.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026
For some, drifting along on a tube is the ultimate way to soak up the scenery, especially when water temperatures rarely exceed 75 degrees.
—Gabi De La Rosa, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026
The Yankees closed within two runs in the seventh when Mets rookie right fielder Carsen Benge dropped Cody Bellinger's drifting fly ball for an error that allowed Aaron Judge to score from second.
—CBS News, 16 May 2026
Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
During Juneteenth weekend, the neighborhood feels less like a district and more like an open invitation — murals, pop-ups, and installations spilling into storefronts and sidewalks, with artists and visitors drifting in and out of shared space.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 14 May 2026
Additionally, the new hand-over-hand steering animations certainly improve the feel of driving from the in-car view if that’s your preferred perspective, and the drifting audience is sure to love that.
—Adam Ismail, The Drive, 14 May 2026
The moon spends the day drifting through the numinous and intuitive sign of Pisces, pulling our attention inward.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drifting
Adjective
-
This is surprising for something that is supposed to require less hovering, especially if the host is out of hearing range of the device's alerts.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The amphitheater’s Morton Salt birthright has creative juices flowing.—
Lisa Gutierrez
May 19,
Kansas City Star,
19 May 2026
-
More than 85% of the oil and natural gas flowing through the Strait of Hormuz goes to Asia, and many nations there have had to issue emergency energy rationing mandates.—
Jordan Blum,
Fortune,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
The House Foreign Affairs Committee marked up 21 bills in a single session last month and eight separate, additional bills are floating around Congress related to advanced AI and export controls, including the Safe Chips Act and the Chip Security Act.—
Amanda Gerut,
Fortune,
13 May 2026
-
Designed by Carlo Mollino, the floating 1950s retreat retains many of the legendary Italian designer’s original interiors and custom furnishings.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Again, no details, and fans' minds are wandering as far as this being an arena or battle royale mode, but that would be a little surprising.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
-
While strolling through Central Park in 1987, Honda spotted the artist wandering with no guards and an elderly woman by her side.—
Julius Miller
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Celeste Ecoflyers’ aircraft design emphasizes gliding capability for safe landings even in engine failure, combining low weight with operational robustness.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
14 May 2026
-
With that in mind, Scott, Bournemouth’s gliding ball-carrier, is another who could help after an impressive season for a team who could yet finish above Liverpool in the table.—
Gregg Evans,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
The pair finished up with Colbert sending a congratulatory cake from the network – a multi-layered wedding-style beast – sailing downward.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
-
But a small number of ships with Iranian cargo are still sailing.—
Adina Renner,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Within the past two years, there have been instances of cows roaming away from their farms.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
-
The city belongs to law-abiding residents, not roaming mobs looking to make a name for themselves or to contribute to the chaos or violence, and to get social media attention.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Thankfully, Babitz did exactly that — no rambling thoughts, petty accusations or amusing missives left unsaid.—
Michael Schaub,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
-
Despite this rambling semi-introduction, Newman’s film makes quick work of all of this, recognizing that getting to the Tova-and-Cameron show (with, of course, many guest appearances by Marcellus) is the entire point of the picture.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Drifting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drifting. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
