1
as in slugs
a lazy person
those drones just lie around while we do all the work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in laborers
a person who does very hard or dull work
after lunch my fellow drones and I shuffle back to our cubicles
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in hums
a monotonous sound like that of an insect in motion
heard the drone of an airplane overhead
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in buzzes
to fly, turn, or move rapidly with a fluttering or vibratory sound
the sound of droning bees all around us
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in lounges
to spend time doing nothing
instead of getting a job, he preferred to drone and live off his parents
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of drones
Andy Rose 19 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
Those instruments stayed grounded during Melissa, while other instruments and drones collecting forecast information were deployed.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
At Silent Swarm 2025, Northrop Grumman integrated TEEMS onto compact platforms—ranging from tiny robots to unmanned surface vessels and drones.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025
Cities across Ukraine were targeted by Russian missiles and drones overnight Friday, resulting in casualties and widespread power outages.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
The Ukrainian Air Force said in a Telegram post Saturday morning that Russia overnight had launched 503 projectiles -- 458 drones and 45 missiles -- of which 415 were shot down while the remaining 78 struck 25 different locations across Ukraine.
—Oleksiy Pshemyskiy, ABC News, 8 Nov. 2025
The operation involves deploying drones, aircraft and subsea and surface vessels to safeguard the subsea infrastructure in the region.
—Magdalena Petrova, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2025
Search efforts involved 15-20 police dogs, drones, boats and additional rescue teams who covered the surrounding area on foot, Breault says.
—Sam Gillette, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia fired 214 exploding drones and decoys in the latest wave of attacks.
—arkansasonline.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
Like many law enforcement agencies since 9/11, the CBP has substantially beefed up its equipment with military-style weaponry and aircraft, including a fleet of Black Hawk helicopters and Predator drones.
—Andy Rose 19 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
Those instruments stayed grounded during Melissa, while other instruments and drones collecting forecast information were deployed.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
At Silent Swarm 2025, Northrop Grumman integrated TEEMS onto compact platforms—ranging from tiny robots to unmanned surface vessels and drones.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025
Cities across Ukraine were targeted by Russian missiles and drones overnight Friday, resulting in casualties and widespread power outages.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
The Ukrainian Air Force said in a Telegram post Saturday morning that Russia overnight had launched 503 projectiles -- 458 drones and 45 missiles -- of which 415 were shot down while the remaining 78 struck 25 different locations across Ukraine.
—Oleksiy Pshemyskiy, ABC News, 8 Nov. 2025
The operation involves deploying drones, aircraft and subsea and surface vessels to safeguard the subsea infrastructure in the region.
—Magdalena Petrova, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2025
Search efforts involved 15-20 police dogs, drones, boats and additional rescue teams who covered the surrounding area on foot, Breault says.
—Sam Gillette, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia fired 214 exploding drones and decoys in the latest wave of attacks.
—arkansasonline.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drones
Verb
-
The lights are low and the room hums with stillness.—
Thania Garcia,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Meanwhile, OneCoin still hums along and continues to attract investors.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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By day the Ultramar pool bar offers refreshing beverages and light fare while at night the place buzzes with energy and music.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Beetle buzzes by with tiny pumpkins perched on top, and Xuanwu, a ground robot carrying a drone, walks ominously in the background.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The cranky and irritating backseat driver, who bums a lift midway through the Griswolds' adventure, also has with her the easily excitable pooch Dinky.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The military plays only an advisory role in the American system, giving input to the president’s deliberations but not otherwise independently adjudicating whether his or her decision is wise.—
Peter D. Feaver,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Nov. 2025
-
Ahead of Sunday’s premiere, Randolph and actress Ali Larter, who plays Ainsley’s mother on the show, spoke to the Star-Telegram about the Norris family dynamic going into season 2.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Challengers, including conservative advocacy groups, argue the law unconstitutionally chills political speech and participation.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
27 Sep. 2025
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This kind of political pressure on broadcasters and artists chills free speech and threatens the livelihoods of thousands of working Americans.—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
And while much of it rests on tradition, this dish’s combination of crispy skin and tender meat appeals to anyone who loves delicious food.—
Taylor Tobin,
Southern Living,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The ship now rests in two pieces around 53 miles northwest of Boulder Reef in Lake Michigan.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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When the door opens, Bear strolls in, his front leg covered in paint—clear evidence of his accidental mischief.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
-
In New York City, Sydney Sweeney strolls through Bryant Park with entertainment investor beau Scooter Braun, while Mariska Hargitay and Kelli Giddish take to the streets to film new episodes of Law and Order.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The closing scene of the trailer pokes fun at the Grammy-winning singer's dancing prowess.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
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The neck of his daughter's guitar pokes out above chunks of concrete.—
Jane Arraf,
NPR,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Drones.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drones. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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