1
as in rushed
acting or done with excessive or careless speed
a flying attempt at finishing the work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rapid
moving, proceeding, or acting with great speed
that car was flying as it careened down the streets
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in flight
travel through the air by the use of wings
had never had the slightest fear of flying
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in hovering
to move through the air with or as if with outstretched wings
the Wright brothers realized mankind's age-old wish to fly
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in escaping
to get free from a dangerous or confining situation
you must fly to safety immediately
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in traveling
to proceed or move quickly
flew down the concourse to catch his flight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in fleeing
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in disappearing
to cease to be visible
the morning mist had flown, and a sparkling sea lay before us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in working
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval
the familiar "Because I said so!" is a reason that won't fly with most teenagers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of flying
Leonard David, Space.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Despite having small brains, pterosaurs’ overall brain shape surprisingly resembled that of non-flying, small, bird-like dinosaurs (troodontids and dromaeosaurids).
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Nov. 2025
Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 7 June 2026
The former Aston Villa First Team Physiotherapist also says flying can be problematic for players managing injuries.
—Emile Nuh, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
Alison Herman, Variety, 15 June 2026
Tree and four others were in one helicopter, while one pilot was flying the other.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for flying
Adjective
Chang'e 7 features an orbiter, a lander, a rover and a mini-flying probe or hopper, which together will tote to the moon a total of 18 scientific instruments.
—Leonard David, Space.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Despite having small brains, pterosaurs’ overall brain shape surprisingly resembled that of non-flying, small, bird-like dinosaurs (troodontids and dromaeosaurids).
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Nov. 2025
Noun
Trans-Pacific flying is often highly profitable, with long-haul flights commanding a premium and served by planes with dozens of premium seats.
—Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 7 June 2026
The former Aston Villa First Team Physiotherapist also says flying can be problematic for players managing injuries.
—Emile Nuh, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
Verb
The dragons are just the CGI flying lizards on top.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 15 June 2026
Tree and four others were in one helicopter, while one pilot was flying the other.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for flying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flying
Adjective
-
Instead, Mahan and his wealthy Silicon Valley backers talked themselves into a rushed and premature campaign that was never remotely competitive.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
-
As immigration officers arrested her six weeks ago, through tears and a rushed goodbye, Maria de Jesus Estrada Juarez had a request for her daughter.—
Mathew Miranda,
Sacbee.com,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Similar rapid advancements occurred with chemistry in the 19th century and physics in the 20th century, and the 21st century will go to biology and medicine.—
Rachel Nuwer,
Scientific American,
16 June 2026
-
Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
In a news release Wednesday, Kansas City Public Information Officer Jackson Overstreet said three charter flights full of Curaçao fans will begin to arrive at Kansas City International Airport on Thursday.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
18 June 2026
-
The Federal Aviation Administration prohibits all aircraft operations, including drone flights, within a 3-nautical-mile radius and up to 3,000 feet above ground level around certain stadiums hosting World Cup matches.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
Given that the average credit card APR is hovering above 21% right now, even modest balances can become expensive to carry over time.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
-
Photos from the incident showed dozens of rescuers hovering over the narrow hole, which was roughly five feet wide, while lowering a ladder down to the man.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
Some were seen walking away after escaping the aircraft.—
Diego Mendoza,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
-
The film centers on three women in a remote Bangladeshi village – blind Momi, schoolgirl Hima, and pregnant Laili – who dream of escaping a world shaped by superstition and religious conservatism, with consequences that grow increasingly dire for each of them.—
Jenny S. Li,
Variety,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
Prosecutors say Wilburn was traveling about 100 mph on Cherry Valley Boulevard with lights and sirens activated, responding to a report of a shooting.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
-
Drivers are reminded to exercise patience, remain attentive and use caution while traveling through the area.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
Proper told investigators that a group planned to stage a demonstration outside the White House, fly small drones laden with explosives to detonate outside the arena to force the crowd to evacuate, and act as snipers to shoot people fleeing the event.—
Noe Padilla,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
-
Mangione is accused of stalking Thompson and shooting him in the back outside a Manhattan Hilton hotel, then fleeing to Altoona, Pennsylvania, where he was arrested while eating a McDonald's breakfast.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
The report said witnesses claimed that the airplane lost altitude before regaining it, then flew at treetop height and turned to the right before disappearing from their view.—
Ben Wheeler,
Kansas City Star,
18 June 2026
-
Now many of those developmental layers are disappearing.—
Jennie Glazer,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flying. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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