1
as in to disappear
to cease to be visible
the fog fled with the arrival of the dawn
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to escape
to get free from a dangerous or confining situation
a murderer who fled on foot
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to retreat
to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening
a toddler who fled when the ladybug he had been quietly watching suddenly began flying around the room
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of flee
Many Florida Hispanics from Cuba and South America vote Republican after fleeing socialist or communist dictatorships.
—
Zac Anderson, USA Today, 17 May 2026
Adapted from Chalandon’s novel about a brutal children’s penal colony on Belle-Île in the 1930s, the film follows a teenage boy fleeing institutional violence after a mass escape.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 17 May 2026
In the ensuing investigation, it was revealed that Marquz fled to Mexico through the San Tsidro Port of Entry before his arrest.
—Austin Turner, CBS News, 17 May 2026
In their court papers, the Iskander attorneys contend that the 62-year-old Grossman tried to flee the scene and likely would have succeeded had her vehicle not automatically shut down due to it sensing the massive impact that had just occurred.
—City News Service, Daily News, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for flee
Zac Anderson, USA Today, 17 May 2026
Adapted from Chalandon’s novel about a brutal children’s penal colony on Belle-Île in the 1930s, the film follows a teenage boy fleeing institutional violence after a mass escape.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 17 May 2026
In the ensuing investigation, it was revealed that Marquz fled to Mexico through the San Tsidro Port of Entry before his arrest.
—Austin Turner, CBS News, 17 May 2026
In their court papers, the Iskander attorneys contend that the 62-year-old Grossman tried to flee the scene and likely would have succeeded had her vehicle not automatically shut down due to it sensing the massive impact that had just occurred.
—City News Service, Daily News, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for flee
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flee
Verb
-
Jewelry couriers carrying armored cases disappear into the famously tiny elevators.—
Melinda Sheckells,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2026
-
In one scene, Misael disappears entirely from the forest as the canine roams around in the background while a calf grazes up front.—
Vadim Rizov,
IndieWire,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Joao Gomes, one of the few current players to escape the wrath of disgruntled supporters, lingered on the pitch after his team-mates had left following a brief, post-match lap of appreciation.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
-
There might be a fight to escape, but even those few who crawl over rocks and grit and sand to reach terra firma find their surroundings changed.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Just as people must eventually retreat from outdoor living spaces—whether a porch, lawn, or patio—and head indoors, so too must our things.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
14 May 2026
-
In an attempt to spark inspiration for a new Little Death origin story, Kris pays a visit to the present-day Billy, played by a regal, knowing Gillian Anderson, who retreated from public life after that first installment and whom Kris hopes to persuade to appear in her reboot.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
The first dream had vanished within two weeks of his arrival.—
Tom Williams,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
-
The case went cold, the prime suspect vanished, and then Crement joined the force.—
Jermont Terry,
CBS News,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
The little girl was holding her mom’s hand when the bullets started flying outside the Southern Blvd.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
14 May 2026
-
For now, though, SLS is the only rocket powerful enough and certified to fly Orion to the moon.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
In terms of where to beach, wide stretches of sand in Beach Haven remain some of the Jersey Shore’s most desirable, drawing surfers at sunrise, families hauling coolers and striped umbrellas by midday, and sunset walkers lingering until the sky fades pink over the dunes.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 May 2026
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Inside, customers collect passport stamps, browse racks of worn leather and faded denim and line up for limited-edition tote bags tied to the second annual Vintage Store Day.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
The Rebels were enjoying the greatest season of the modern era and preparing for the College Football Playoff when Kiffin bolted for LSU in spectacularly messy fashion.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 May 2026
-
You guys will normally read like 300-500 words before bolting.—
Joe Kinsey OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
Made from a breathable, sweat-wicking fabric, these versatile pants are perfect for light activities like long walks, warm-ups, running errands, and busy travel days.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
20 May 2026
-
Lollipops in every shape and size, run like fence posts throughout the tables.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flee.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flee. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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