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
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2
as in to escape
to get free from a dangerous or confining situation
you must fly to safety immediately
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to travel
to proceed or move quickly
flew down the concourse to catch his flight
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to flee
to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening
no one in the movies ever thinks to fly from the ax murderer and immediately call the police
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to disappear
to cease to be visible
the morning mist had flown, and a sparkling sea lay before us
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fly
Tyler Estep,
AJC.com,
24 June 2026
Driverless cars and flying taxis may still be on the agenda, but the new 55 dirham ($15) route from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah — cutting about 40 minutes of drive time — has long been anticipated by road-weary residents.
—
Kelsey Warner,
semafor.com,
24 June 2026
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
That said, a phorid fly infestation is difficult to treat on your own.
—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for fly
Verb
Warmer weather does make balls fly farther, Zerillo wrote, but usually by less than 5 feet.
—
Tyler Estep,
AJC.com,
24 June 2026
Driverless cars and flying taxis may still be on the agenda, but the new 55 dirham ($15) route from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah — cutting about 40 minutes of drive time — has long been anticipated by road-weary residents.
—
Kelsey Warner,
semafor.com,
24 June 2026
Noun
What does a screwworm fly look like Adult New World screwworms have orange eyes, a metallic blue or green body and three dark stripes across the back, according to the USDA.
—
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
That said, a phorid fly infestation is difficult to treat on your own.
—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for fly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fly
Verb
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Dark clouds hovered around the stadium just before kickoff, threatening to delay the start of the game, but Mother Nature apparently is a soccer fan, because the storm veered away.
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Temperatures in the beach cities pleasantly hovered in the 70s, a stark contrast to East Coast communities broiling in a heat wave.
Verb
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If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.
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At the same time, East Florida's population was growing as British loyalists fled Georgia and the Carolinas to escape harassment from supporters of independence.
Verb
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The suspect, an adult male, wore all black and traveled on a scooter.
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For those unable to attend games at Kansas City (Arrowhead) Stadium, the free-to-enter festival offers local and traveling spectators a place to gather during the World Cup.
Verb
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Officers learned that the victim who reported the incident initially fled the location, and the three suspects allegedly followed in pursuit.
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There was an active arrest warrant for the man for fleeing and eluding, Tony said, and DNA samples had tied him to multiple other crimes.
Verb
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His plan worked, and the bear darted to the side of the road before disappearing back into the woods.
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Stock Chart IconStock chart icon Safe havens, in other words, have not disappeared but have become far less predictable.
Verb
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The council would then examine the details surrounding the change before passing an ordinance expanding those voting rights.
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Congress passed a law making Independence Day a federal holiday on June 28, 1870.
Noun
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The coated canvas is super durable and will only get better with age.
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Its link with the automobile world dates back to 1897, with the launch of Georges Vuitton’s pioneering Malle Auto car trunk made of durable Vuittonite canvas.
Verb
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Clear sunscreen sticks glide across the skin without leaving the chalky white cast that mineral formulas can create, and their solid texture means less dripping or rubbing than a lotion.
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The kit allows the bomb to glide 60 to 80 kilometers following the release from aircraft such as the Su-34, Su-35, and Su-30.
Cite this Entry
“Fly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fly. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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