1
as in ranging
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
1
as in flowing
to move or proceed smoothly and readily
casual conversation drifting from one topic to another
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in floating
to rest or move along the surface of a liquid or in the air
the boat drifted along on the current
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in wandering
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 & Similar Words
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 drifting
Literary Hub,
22 June 2026
Most concerning, according to an analysis by the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, is a 2026-27 spending plan that is balanced on paper but drifting steadily toward a structural deficit like the one that haunts the city of San Diego.
—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 June 2026
His thoughts are drifting to the environment and to other world events - through the lens of a new dad.
—
Kamala Thiagarajan,
NPR,
21 June 2026
Float down the Deschutes River and listen for sound checks drifting from Hayden Homes Amphitheater in the distance.
—
Sierra Vandervort,
Travel + Leisure,
20 June 2026
Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
—
Ca Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
Inspired by the blockbuster film franchise, the thrill ride seats guests in flashy hot rods that mimic real drifting motions at up to 72 mph.
—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
19 June 2026
The first involves an exhausted executive, twenty pounds overweight, commuting hours each way, drifting from his wife and team.
—
Afdhel Aziz,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Keeping his thoughts from drifting too much, even about Cuba, has propelled his career forward.
—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
Verb
The bedroom window was open wide, the char of campfire smoke drifting through.
—
Literary Hub,
22 June 2026
Most concerning, according to an analysis by the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, is a 2026-27 spending plan that is balanced on paper but drifting steadily toward a structural deficit like the one that haunts the city of San Diego.
—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 June 2026
His thoughts are drifting to the environment and to other world events - through the lens of a new dad.
—
Kamala Thiagarajan,
NPR,
21 June 2026
Float down the Deschutes River and listen for sound checks drifting from Hayden Homes Amphitheater in the distance.
—
Sierra Vandervort,
Travel + Leisure,
20 June 2026
Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
—
Ca Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
Inspired by the blockbuster film franchise, the thrill ride seats guests in flashy hot rods that mimic real drifting motions at up to 72 mph.
—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
19 June 2026
The first involves an exhausted executive, twenty pounds overweight, commuting hours each way, drifting from his wife and team.
—
Afdhel Aziz,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Keeping his thoughts from drifting too much, even about Cuba, has propelled his career forward.
—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drifting
Adjective
-
Controlled mind-wandering — Mind-wandering is a spontaneous zoning out of your immediate surroundings.
-
When a wandering wolf threatens his fragile peace and slaughters his flock, Gaspard, blinded by rage, embarks on a perilous quest for vengeance — one that will lead him to the farthest reaches of his sorrow and guilt.
Adjective
-
He-Man was now a jolly, quip-ready hero, whose best friends were scaredy-cat Cringer (a green-and-yellow tiger who transformed into Battle Cat), and an annoying, hovering magician called Orko.
-
This is surprising for something that is supposed to require less hovering, especially if the host is out of hearing range of the device's alerts.
Verb
-
Traffic cameras in the area show eastbound traffic flowing.
-
At the center of the main floor is a chef’s kitchen outfitted with sleek custom cabinetry and expansive workspace, flowing easily into the living and dining areas.
Verb
-
Recently, a small floating structure appeared on satellite photos near the entrance to the lagoon, raising alarm in and protests from the Philippines.
-
The best parts of the film, scripted with little distinction by Ana Nogueira, are the flashbacks to Kara’s final months on what’s left of her dying home planet Krypton, or more specifically, the floating colony Argo City, also headed for destruction.
Verb
-
Bone Jovi spends much of his time roaming the galleries, greeting visitors and keeping watch over the collection.
-
The San Jose Police Emerald Society Pipe and Drum band will be piping and drumming at Willow Glen Town Square on Lincoln Avenue, and a pop-up choir will be roaming VTA light-rail trains and stations throughout the day.
Adjective
-
Honeysuckle The warm, heady, floral scent of honeysuckle, which is strongest at dusk, is instantly recognizable, and the romantically rambling vines and tubular blooms make the climbing varieties cottage-garden classics.
-
Vocals have an offhand nonchalance instead of hogging the spotlight, melodies sneak up on you rather than announce themselves, and the guitars avoid crunchy riffs and overdriven twang in favor of tart rambling and clean supporting chords.
Adjective
-
Opt for bigger hanging bulbs, discrete flickers, or even hanging sheaths.
-
To maintain the immersive illusion, Iñárritu eschewed traditional hanging fabric.
Verb
-
And for the best views, get one of the small, stylish rooms on the fourth floor—you’ll be able to see the ships gliding by.
-
Mars is spending the final days of the month gliding past the famous Pleiades star cluster (also known as the Seven Sisters) and this celestial encounter will not be this easy to see again for years.
Cite this Entry
“Drifting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drifting. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
