1
as in to disappear
to cease to be visible
the fog fled with the arrival of the dawn
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to escape
to get free from a dangerous or confining situation
a murderer who fled on foot
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to retreat
to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening
a toddler who fled when the ladybug he had been quietly watching suddenly began flying around the room
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of flee
The gunman, described as between 20 to 25 years old, fled on foot.
—
Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
In the seventies and eighties, a wave of East Coast transplants, fleeing the economic decline of cities like New York, brought with them an aversion to public transportation.
—Oren Peleg, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
Investigators later learned that the driver who fled was the woman.
—Nick Lentz, CBS News, 9 May 2026
The driver has two prior arrests for fleeing police and is being held at the Ramsey County jail, according to the sheriff’s office.
—Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for flee
Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
In the seventies and eighties, a wave of East Coast transplants, fleeing the economic decline of cities like New York, brought with them an aversion to public transportation.
—Oren Peleg, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
Investigators later learned that the driver who fled was the woman.
—Nick Lentz, CBS News, 9 May 2026
The driver has two prior arrests for fleeing police and is being held at the Ramsey County jail, according to the sheriff’s office.
—Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for flee
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flee
Verb
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Jewelry couriers carrying armored cases disappear into the famously tiny elevators.—
Melinda Sheckells,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2026
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In one scene, Misael disappears entirely from the forest as the canine roams around in the background while a calf grazes up front.—
Vadim Rizov,
IndieWire,
16 May 2026
Verb
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On March 15th, while Hitler spoke from a palace balcony to hundreds of thousands of ecstatic Austrians, Heidi’s father planned escapes for his family.—
Nicholas Dawidoff,
New Yorker,
10 May 2026
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After a few years, Turner could probably escape his standstill by quitting the board, and press to axe Levin and ascend to CEO.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
10 May 2026
Verb
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Just as people must eventually retreat from outdoor living spaces—whether a porch, lawn, or patio—and head indoors, so too must our things.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
14 May 2026
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In an attempt to spark inspiration for a new Little Death origin story, Kris pays a visit to the present-day Billy, played by a regal, knowing Gillian Anderson, who retreated from public life after that first installment and whom Kris hopes to persuade to appear in her reboot.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
14 May 2026
Verb
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The first dream had vanished within two weeks of his arrival.—
Tom Williams,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
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The case went cold, the prime suspect vanished, and then Crement joined the force.—
Jermont Terry,
CBS News,
16 May 2026
Verb
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The little girl was holding her mom’s hand when the bullets started flying outside the Southern Blvd.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
14 May 2026
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For now, though, SLS is the only rocket powerful enough and certified to fly Orion to the moon.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 May 2026
Verb
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In terms of where to beach, wide stretches of sand in Beach Haven remain some of the Jersey Shore’s most desirable, drawing surfers at sunrise, families hauling coolers and striped umbrellas by midday, and sunset walkers lingering until the sky fades pink over the dunes.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 May 2026
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Inside, customers collect passport stamps, browse racks of worn leather and faded denim and line up for limited-edition tote bags tied to the second annual Vintage Store Day.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
15 May 2026
Verb
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The Rebels were enjoying the greatest season of the modern era and preparing for the College Football Playoff when Kiffin bolted for LSU in spectacularly messy fashion.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 May 2026
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You guys will normally read like 300-500 words before bolting.—
Joe Kinsey OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Here’s one of several places where Footer’s biography runs into problems.—
Brian Seibert,
New Yorker,
13 May 2026
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Enter this breathable maxi dress, which is comfortable and functional enough to run errands in, while still being stylish enough for hosting brunch or packing for a beach vacation.—
Paige Bennett,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flee.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flee. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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