Synonyms of migratory

migratory

adjective

ˈmī-grə-ˌtȯr-ē 

as in migrant

having a way of life that involves moving from one region to another typically on a seasonal basis

most of the apple crop is picked by migratory workers

migratory birds heading south for the winter

Synonyms & Similar Words

• migrant
• nomadic
• traveling
• peregrine
• mobile
• itinerant
• peripatetic
• vagrant
• roaming
• roving
• tramp
• vagabond
• ranging
• wayfaring
• ambulatory
• wandering
• errant
• ambulant
• walking
• fugitive
• meandering
• sauntering
• footloose
• drifting
• strolling
• rambling
• gadabout
• gallivanting
• traipsing
• fiddle-footed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• resident
• stationary
• nonmigratory
• immobile
• nonmigrant
• fixed
• sedentary
• established
• fast
• settled
• rooted
• set

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of migratory

For example, goldfinches, cardinals, chickadees, and other non-migratory birds seek out the attractive seedheads of black-eyed Susans. — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 28 Oct. 2026

In Alaska, salmon are one of the main prey sources for belugas—and the fish need cold water to develop their eggs, keep their metabolism stable and prevent energy depletion during long migratory journeys. — Ryan Green, Scientific American, 26 Oct. 2026

Monarch migration Oyamel fir forests are famous as the winter refuge of millions of migratory monarch butterflies. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026

Discovering unknown migrations More than 70% of North American bird species are migratory. — Amy L. Scarpignato, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026