run wild

idiom

: to run, go, behave, etc., in a wild and uncontrolled way
The mob was running wild in the streets.
His imagination ran wild.

Examples of run wild in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Instead of just repairing the damage, her late dad, Bill Spencer, let his imagination run wild and created a spooky pirates cave and a suspension bridge. Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026 This is not an organization that wants to see antisemitism run wild or any form of discriminatory behavior rampant. David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026 After watching James Cook run wild, need a response. Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 17 Jan. 2026 With the help of attorney Mit Winter of Kennyhertz Perry LLC, who specializes in college athletics issues and NIL, here is an explanation of how athletic programs are continuing to run wild. Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for run wild

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Run wild.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/run%20wild. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on run wild

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster