1
as in to flow
to move or proceed smoothly and readily
casual conversation drifting from one topic to another
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to hover
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 to wander
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
1
2
as in tide
a prevailing or general movement or inclination
the steady drift of the population away from large cities
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in sense
the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action
you should expect a visit from the stork, if you get my drift
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of drift
Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 2026
The issue had largely drifted out of the headlines in recent months.
—Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2026
Roasted chicken or pork loin cry out for a bold white and oysters are at their best when enjoyed in a month with the letter R, making January, February, and March prime oyster months so keep a few bottles chilled in the refrigerator (or snow drift) for just this occasion.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for drift
Verb
The cell doesn’t drift away from its intended state with each cycle.
—Noun
From authoritarian drift to full dictatorship Between 2016 and 2018 Venezuela plunged into its steepest descent.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for drift
Verb
-
The tasteful updates that complement the open, flowing floor plan with tis ample natural light.—
-
The common spaces flow into the pad’s three ensuite bedrooms.—
Verb
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At Schoedinger Funeral Home, where temperatures hovered around 30 degrees with occasional snow flurries, mourners began arriving shortly after the noon visitation opened.—
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During winter, temperatures hover around 50 to 60 degrees during the day, and drop as low as 30 at night, but the upside is generally fewer tourists and less crowds in the park.—
Verb
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Still, much of the time Froud was content, wandering the set after just learning to walk, unfazed by the elaborate production around him.—
-
That morning, in a new suburb of Glendale, three-year-old Kelly Keen wandered, unattended, out of her house and into the driveway.—
Noun
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Rescuers retrieved eight people alive and were searching for the missing still trapped after a huge mound of garbage and debris collapsed on them in the village of Binaliw in Cebu city, police said.—
-
An igloo-like tarpaulin now covers the mound of flowers, teddy bears and lit candles outside Le Constellation bar in the ski resort, to protect the makeshift memorial from the falling snow.—
Noun
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Greenland was incorporated into Denmark in 1953, as a tide of decolonization swept the globe following World War II.—
-
More than a year after it was completed, the Smith Canal Gate was closed Monday because water levels rose to 8 feet, along with some other factors, including rising king tides and precipitation, according to Darren Suen, San Joaquin Area Flood Control Agency executive director.—
Noun
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So there's really no choice but for the four major conference commissioners to compile a set of rules and guidelines that make at least a marginal bit of sense.—
-
Create a sense of order by clearing those surfaces of holiday-specific decor.—
Verb
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Snow rests lightly on branches and the occasional rain glides off dormant stems.—
-
Afternoons here are deliciously drowsy, spent dozing in the shade, gently parting calm sea water, or gliding past craggy rock formations in a little motor-boat.—
Verb
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Only a handful of rafts floated lazily in the water.—
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The Big Ten has floated an idea for a 24- or 28-team playoff that gives each power conference four automatic bids.—
Cite this Entry
“Drift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drift. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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