Synonyms of rove

rove

verb

ˈrōv 

as in to roam

to move about from place to place aimlessly

buffalo roving over the vast plains

Synonyms & Similar Words

• roam
• wander
• drift
• stroll
• cruise
• float
• meander
• gallivant
• range
• traipse
• ramble
• saunter
• knock (about)
• galavant
• bat
• mooch
• gad (about)
• amble
• maunder
• mope
• dawdle
• kick around
• vagabond
• stray
• straggle
• tramp
• gypsy
• mill (about or around)
• hobo

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb rove contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rove are meander, ramble, roam, traipse, and wander. While all these words mean "to go about from place to place usually without a plan or definite purpose," rove suggests vigorous and sometimes purposeful roaming.

armed brigands roved over the countryside

When is meander a more appropriate choice than rove?

The words meander and rove are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, meander implies a winding or intricate course suggestive of aimless or listless wandering.

the river meanders for miles through rich farmland

Where would ramble be a reasonable alternative to rove?

Although the words ramble and rove have much in common, ramble stresses carelessness and indifference to one's course or objective.

the speaker rambled on without ever coming to the point

When would roam be a good substitute for rove?

The words roam and rove can be used in similar contexts, but roam suggests wandering about freely and often far afield.

liked to roam through the woods

When might traipse be a better fit than rove?

The meanings of traipse and rove largely overlap; however, traipse implies a course that is erratic but may sometimes be purposeful.

traipsed all over town looking for the right dress

In what contexts can wander take the place of rove?

While in some cases nearly identical to rove, wander implies an absence of or an indifference to a fixed course.

fond of wandering about the square just watching the people

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of rove

The Unicorns will play three matches at the Coliseum as the league brings a total of nine games to the Bay Area in its roving format in which all teams travel to a single location for a series of matches. —Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 27 May 2025

Showing its spring 2026 collection at Pitti Uomo as this season’s guest of honor of the menswear trade fair, the brand inaugurates the roving presentation schedule announced earlier this year. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 17 June 2025

It’s crowded with houseboats, fishing vessels, roving vendors in sampans, and multi-story floating restaurants that drew tourists until the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to shutter. —H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 6 June 2025

Environments aren’t being explained, but you’re inherently encouraged to rove your eyes over the frame and explore. —Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 28 Apr. 2025