wander 1 of 2

Definition of wandernext

wander

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb wander contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of wander are meander, ramble, roam, rove, and traipse. While all these words mean "to go about from place to place usually without a plan or definite purpose," wander implies an absence of or an indifference to a fixed course.

fond of wandering about the square just watching the people

When might meander be a better fit than wander?

The words meander and wander are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, meander implies a winding or intricate course suggestive of aimless or listless wandering.

the river meanders for miles through rich farmland

When is ramble a more appropriate choice than wander?

The meanings of ramble and wander largely overlap; however, ramble stresses carelessness and indifference to one's course or objective.

the speaker rambled on without ever coming to the point

When would roam be a good substitute for wander?

The words roam and wander can be used in similar contexts, but roam suggests wandering about freely and often far afield.

liked to roam through the woods

When can rove be used instead of wander?

While in some cases nearly identical to wander, rove suggests vigorous and sometimes purposeful roaming.

armed brigands roved over the countryside

In what contexts can traipse take the place of wander?

The synonyms traipse and wander are sometimes interchangeable, but traipse implies a course that is erratic but may sometimes be purposeful.

traipsed all over town looking for the right dress

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 wander
Verb
Gracie disappeared from Cedar Hollow Ranch in Real County, about two hours outside of San Antonio, June 18 after wandering onto a rocky hillside where the ranch’s other giraffes don’t typically go, according to ranch manager Vick Jones. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 June 2026 The 1,200-pound giraffe, named Gracie, wandered away from her unfenced habitat at Cedar Hollow Ranch in Leakey, Texas, on June 12. Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026
Noun
In the dining room’s previous lives—say, as Flora Bar, in the Met days—lunch might be followed by a wander upstairs to see a collection of Munch or Celmins paintings, and diners at Marcel can similarly tour certain Sotheby’s floors that are open to the public. Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 14 June 2026 Just a few blocks from the hotel, Broughton Street is an easy wander for browsing boutiques like the Posh Loft and Paris Market, followed by a coffee at the Coffee Fox. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wander
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wander
Verb
  • Visitors can hike trails and drive a scenic route through the colorful, rugged Badlands where bison and wild horses roam.
    Jack Dura, Fortune, 2 July 2026
  • The age of sail, when pirates like Johnny Depp’s fictional Jack Sparrow roamed the seven seas, ended about 200 years ago.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Instead of Cady as rapist, Cape Fear seems to be going for a general theme of Cady as violator, someone who is trespassing not singularly on a female body but on the Bowdens’ trustworthiness.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 June 2026
  • The government has no place to trespass on a founding principle of this nation.
    Molly Parker, CBS News, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • While Swift has not publicly confirmed the relationship, the two were seen together on several occasions after being photographed for the first time together while taking a stroll through Central Park in New York City.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Anne Hathaway shows off her baby bump on a stroll in New York City on June 29.
    Brendan Le Updated, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Yamal was a thorn in Saudi Arabia’s side, drifting infield to unleash shots from distance but also peppering the penalty area with wicked deliveries from the right flank.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 2 July 2026
  • When those models drift or their assumptions fail, errors can scale rapidly.
    Akhilesh Sharma, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The woman fell about 1,500 vertical feet, from around 12,000 feet to about 11,500 feet.
    Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • The report will also provide insight into whether American workers’ paychecks are falling further behind inflation.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • The Mariners batted around in the sixth, with their first five hitters reaching base on four hits and one walk.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • The four-time MVP has 82 strikeouts and 24 walks in 79 2/3 innings this season.
    CBS News, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Finally, the report argues that Yale has strayed from its focus on rigor and academic excellence.
    Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026
  • The market began to pay close attention to stray words and nuances.
    George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wander.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wander. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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