Definition of afootnext
as in ongoing
being in progress or development plans are afoot for a new sports stadium in the city

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as in under weigh
in progress although the drug just got released, research for a more effective medication is already afoot

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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 afoot
Adjective
Plans are already afoot to scale consumer socialism across America. Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026 By the end of the day, both women would be dead, and a nationwide search for them would be afoot. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026 That touched off speculation that perhaps a bachelorette party or some kind of pre-wedding celebration was afoot. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2026 Exciting infrastructure plans are afoot in Europe also, as a number of audacious underground mega tunnels are redrawing the railway map of the continent. Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 20 June 2026 This week, the World Cup is afoot, a brilliant pun that, startlingly, Google says hasn't been used hundreds of times! Holly J. Morris, NPR, 19 June 2026 Changes are also afoot on the underperforming Brazilian F50, which sits in 12th place in the season standings, ahead of only the New Zealand team. Andrew Rice, New York Times, 19 June 2026 Indeed, something altogether more sinister — if not supernatural — is afoot. Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 9 June 2026 Summer doesn’t officially begin until June 21, but plans are afoot for classic car shows and cruises across Lake County. Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for afoot
Adjective
  • The series unfolds against Japan’s ongoing debate over beauty standards – a culture growing more open to diverse appearances even as its cosmetic surgery sector remains one of its fastest-growing industries.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • While the union has raised concerns about the process, El Dorado Hills General Manager Stephanie McGann Jantzen said the district cannot discuss ongoing human resources negotiations.
    Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • True, some if the upside surprise has come from non-operating gains on holdings in huge, private AI pioneers, but not all of it.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 2 June 2026
  • Exxon operates some of the wells directly and holds a financial, non-operating interest in the others.
    Rachel Nostrant, Houston Chronicle, 26 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Afoot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/afoot. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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