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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of drifter
Detectives learned Lugo was the leader of a group made up of drifters and petty thieves who hung out at the Sun Gym.
—
Troy Roberts, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
The men and women under his employ were a rag-tag gang of dreamers and drifters, brought together by a love for adventure, a disdain for the society that had thrown their friends away in Vietnam, and a desire to spread the gospel of ganja.
—Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2026
Poitier stars as Homer Smith, a drifter who turns up in a small Arizona town and helps a group of nuns construct a chapel for the local community.
—Devan Coggan, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026
Its third and weakest season pitted the titular mountain-size vigilante drifter against an even bigger guy, so finding Ritchson a scary-looking specimen of mecha to fight is a logical progression.
—Chris Klimek, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for drifter
Troy Roberts, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
The men and women under his employ were a rag-tag gang of dreamers and drifters, brought together by a love for adventure, a disdain for the society that had thrown their friends away in Vietnam, and a desire to spread the gospel of ganja.
—Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2026
Poitier stars as Homer Smith, a drifter who turns up in a small Arizona town and helps a group of nuns construct a chapel for the local community.
—Devan Coggan, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026
Its third and weakest season pitted the titular mountain-size vigilante drifter against an even bigger guy, so finding Ritchson a scary-looking specimen of mecha to fight is a logical progression.
—Chris Klimek, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for drifter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drifter
Noun
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This system is ideal for the connected nomad, designed for those who need internet access while traveling, camping, using an RV, or in temporary locations.—
Brian Westover,
PC Magazine,
30 Apr. 2026
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Using advanced sensors and robotic manipulation, these nuclear nomads can perform inspections and repairs that previously required massive protective gear and strict time limits.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The cougars that make their way through Minnesota are believed to be lone wanderers from the Dakotas and Nebraska.—
Aki Nace,
CBS News,
1 May 2026
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Angel was able to swap some Yokohama Geolandars over from his previous wanderer-spec ride, a Honda Element.—
Byron Hurd,
The Drive,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The remote terminal essentially moves the security screening process from the actual airport to the new facility, allowing travelers to check themselves and their bags and get on a bus that drops them off right at their airport gate, 23 miles away.—
Aaron Parseghian,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
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Chipmunks chitter around the bald summit as travelers marvel at the vast panorama unfurling at their feet.—
Shilo Urban,
Travel + Leisure,
19 May 2026
Noun
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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,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The thugs would insinuate themselves into the confidence of wayfarers and, when a favorable opportunity presented itself, strangle them by throwing a handkerchief or noose around their necks.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
31 Mar. 2026
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Add in accessories like a matching leather clutch, boots, and wayfarer sunglasses to be styled to perfection.—
Ariel Bielsky,
InStyle,
1 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Drifter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drifter. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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