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drift

Q: How is the word 'drift' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of drift are current , tendency , tenor , and trend . While all these words mean "movement in a particular direction," drift may apply to a tendency determined by external forces, or it may apply to an underlying or obscure trend of meaning or discourse. // the drift of the population away from large cities // got the drift of her argument

Q: When could 'current' be used to replace 'drift'?

The words current and drift can be used in similar contexts, but current implies a clearly defined but not necessarily unalterable course. // an encounter that changed the current of my life

Q: When would 'tendency' be a good substitute for 'drift'?

The words tendency and drift are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tendency implies an inclination sometimes amounting to an impelling force. // a general tendency toward inflation

Q: Where would 'tenor' be a reasonable alternative to 'drift'?

Although the words tenor and drift have much in common, tenor stresses a clearly perceptible direction and a continuous, undeviating course. // the tenor of the times

Q: When can 'trend' be used instead of 'drift'?

The synonyms trend and drift are sometimes interchangeable, but trend applies to the general direction maintained by a winding or irregular course. // the long-term trend of the stock market is upward

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of drift

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 to move or proceed smoothly and readily

casual conversation drifting from one topic to another

Synonyms for drift

Words Related to drift

Near Antonyms for drift

shamble,
shuffle

labor,
toil

Antonyms for drift

flounder,
struggle

2 to rest or move along the surface of a liquid or in the air

the boat drifted along on the current

Synonyms for drift

Words Related to drift

buoy

balloon,
raft

Near Antonyms for drift

Antonyms for drift

settle,
sink

3 to move about from place to place aimlessly

spent several years drifting from town to town, picking up odd jobs whenever he needed cash

Synonyms for drift

Words Related to drift

dawdle,
mope

mill (about or around)

straggle,
stray

drift

noun

Synonyms of drift (Entry 2 of 2)

1 a pile or ridge of granular matter (as sand or snow)

deep drifts of snow blocked our driveway

Synonyms for drift

Words Related to drift

snowbank,
snowdrift

embankment,
sandbar

2 a prevailing or general movement or inclination

the steady drift of the population away from large cities

Synonyms for drift

Words Related to drift

3 the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action

you should expect a visit from the stork, if you get my drift

Synonyms for drift

Words Related to drift

connotation

Frequently Asked Questions About drift

How is the word drift different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of drift are current, tendency, tenor, and trend. While all these words mean "movement in a particular direction," drift may apply to a tendency determined by external forces, or it may apply to an underlying or obscure trend of meaning or discourse.

the drift of the population away from large cities

got the drift of her argument

When could current be used to replace drift?

The words current and drift can be used in similar contexts, but current implies a clearly defined but not necessarily unalterable course.

an encounter that changed the current of my life

When would tendency be a good substitute for drift?

The words tendency and drift are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tendency implies an inclination sometimes amounting to an impelling force.

a general tendency toward inflation

Where would tenor be a reasonable alternative to drift?

Although the words tenor and drift have much in common, tenor stresses a clearly perceptible direction and a continuous, undeviating course.

the tenor of the times

When can trend be used instead of drift?

The synonyms trend and drift are sometimes interchangeable, but trend applies to the general direction maintained by a winding or irregular course.

the long-term trend of the stock market is upward