as in nomad
a person who roams about without a fixed route or destination
the drifter just packed up and moved on to the next dead-end job
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 drifter
Once a harmless drifter in the Sargasso Sea, an algae known as sargassum is now flooding tropical beaches, from Brazil to the Caribbean, with stinky, toxic piles.
—
Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 5 Sep. 2025
Young, unemployed family man Nick (MacKay) volunteers to take the boat back out, along with taciturn, new-in-town drifter Liam (Turner) and grizzled seadog Murgey (Francis Magee).
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025
Entrants included everything from historic race cars to JDM drifters, time attack competition cars and off-roaders.
—Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Bug, directed by David Cromer (Prayer for the French Republic), revolves around an unexpected and intense romance between a lonely waitress, played by Coon, and a mysterious drifter, played by Namir Smallwood.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for drifter
Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 5 Sep. 2025
Young, unemployed family man Nick (MacKay) volunteers to take the boat back out, along with taciturn, new-in-town drifter Liam (Turner) and grizzled seadog Murgey (Francis Magee).
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025
Entrants included everything from historic race cars to JDM drifters, time attack competition cars and off-roaders.
—Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Bug, directed by David Cromer (Prayer for the French Republic), revolves around an unexpected and intense romance between a lonely waitress, played by Coon, and a mysterious drifter, played by Namir Smallwood.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for drifter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drifter
Noun
-
These friends, all Amazigh (Berber) nomads, have embarked on a musical voyage to celebrate their roots and share the richness of their heritage with the world.—
Jake Richardson,
Mercury News,
22 Sep. 2025
-
Their sophomore effort is a fantasy following Princess Diana, who falls in love with young nomad Lalo against her father’s wishes.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
20 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Denver offers a wide variety of activities that cater to all travelers.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
26 Sep. 2025
-
For travelers across the Carolinas and beyond, visiting this season is a powerful way to support local communities in their rebuilding efforts.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Transporter Westfalia Camper versions are especially popular, outfitted with any number of clever amenities for weekend wanderers.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
19 Sep. 2025
-
No, not little green men, but rather deep-space wanderers like the peculiar comet 3I/ATLAS discovered this summer.—
Stefanie Waldek,
Space.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Animals that are kennel-trained will likely be pleased to be in their cozy confines and away from the bustle of vacuums, mops, and the like, but for those who are roamers, consider gating off an area for them.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
31 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Drifter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drifter. Accessed 27 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share