1
as in to escape
to get free from a dangerous or confining situation
ran away from an unhappy marriage
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to retreat
to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening
the child runs away from large dogs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in rampant
showing no signs of being under control
a region plagued by runaway suburban sprawl
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in sweep
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of runaway
Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 10 June 2025
The townsite lasted for six years, and its legacy as a safe harbor for enslaved runaways escaping bondage only began to emerge in 1882, when the former co-editor of Quindaro’s newspaper published a memoir in the Wyandotte Gazette.
—Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2025
Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Then, Nicole Mitchell ran away and into Carol Mitchell’s basement.
—Ingrid Harbo, Twin Cities, 17 July 2025
Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 8 July 2025
Just months ago, Argentina seemed destined for another economic collapse: soaring poverty, runaway inflation and dire warnings from economists that President Javier Milei's radical austerity measures would choke growth.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for runaway
Verb
Heat generated from a fire, thermal runaway of an adjacent cell, or shorting of the battery can melt the porous membrane between the battery’s cathode and anode, causing this cell to go into thermal runaway.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 10 June 2025
The townsite lasted for six years, and its legacy as a safe harbor for enslaved runaways escaping bondage only began to emerge in 1882, when the former co-editor of Quindaro’s newspaper published a memoir in the Wyandotte Gazette.
—Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2025
Adjective
He's run away from it and has refused to deal with it in the past 27 years, and the pressure in the prison [of his mind began to build up].
—Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Then, Nicole Mitchell ran away and into Carol Mitchell’s basement.
—Ingrid Harbo, Twin Cities, 17 July 2025
Noun
Trump has ramped up attacks on Mamdani since the Queens assemblyman scored a runaway victory over Cuomo in the Democratic primary last month.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 8 July 2025
Just months ago, Argentina seemed destined for another economic collapse: soaring poverty, runaway inflation and dire warnings from economists that President Javier Milei's radical austerity measures would choke growth.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for runaway
Recent Examples of Synonyms for runaway
Verb
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If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Aug. 2025
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The presumption that refugees move over borders for just a few weeks to escape some crisis then quickly return home is pollyannaish.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Mortensen retreated back into her room and locked the door, immediately texting her housemates.—
Time,
Time,
23 July 2025
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Now, companies are retreating from the term 'DEI' but retaining their discriminatory policies.—
Chloe Mayer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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Homelessness is still rampant — and the idea of homeownership feels like a cruel joke to the many millions of households in the Golden State with income far higher than the national median of $75,000.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 July 2025
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With both systems under one leader, speculation is rampant that Broward’s two health districts will merge.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
17 July 2025
Noun
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The stop is part of a GOP tour of the state that began Monday in Fort Worth and meant to keep lit the Republican passion that fueled the landslide sweep of Texas by President-elect Donald Trump and GOP gains at the state and congressional levels.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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Kentucky State Police arrested nearly 200 people and seized over $640,000 worth of drugs during a statewide sweep.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
30 July 2025
Verb
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Yang’s deportation to Laos – a country her parents were forced to flee following US military intervention – underscores the sweeping and aggressive tactics Trump’s White House is using to expel immigrants.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
25 July 2025
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Villagers flee their homes near the Thai border in Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province on July 25, 2025.—
Shane Croucher
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 July 2025
Verb
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The carrier flies to more than 20 destinations in the U.S. and Mexico, A public charter air carrier, JSX provides service to both major airports like Burbank and Las Vegas and to those not served by major airliners.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
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And keep an eye out for the penguin — the airline's mascot as penguins don't fly and technically, neither does this particular plane — which appears like an easter egg throughout the space.—
Bahar Anooshahr,
AZCentral.com,
31 July 2025
Adjective
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As of Friday evening, the blaze continues to burn uncontrolled.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
2 Aug. 2025
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The space agency let the contract a year ago to ensure the station makes a safe landing in the Pacific Ocean, rather than a hazardous, uncontrolled reentry.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Oh, Hi! and the Pete Davidson-starring thriller The Home don't stand in the way, next week is going to be a good old fashioned Marvel vs. DC blowout at the box office.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
20 July 2025
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Some went all out with an overseas blowout, while others kept things low-key, surrounded by just immediate family at a favorite local place.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Runaway.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/runaway. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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