1
as in disappearing
to cease to be visible
the fog fled with the arrival of the dawn
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in escaping
to get free from a dangerous or confining situation
a murderer who fled on foot
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in retreating
to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening
a toddler who fled when the ladybug he had been quietly watching suddenly began flying around the room
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fleeing
Global Refuge told Newsweek that it is encouraged by the White House's statement that no decision has been made, as revoking protections now would signal a concerning shift in America's commitment to those fleeing conflict.
—
Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
The New York Times reported that in Panama the first flights of these migrants included Christians fleeing persecution in Iran and Chinese nationals seeking asylum.
—Jack Herrera, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2025
In addition to the 240,000 Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion, and the 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans, these programs covered more than 70,000 Afghans escaping the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.
—Ted Hesson, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025
The suspects were seen fleeing west from the scene, while the victims fled east.
—Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2025
The man was last seen fleeing the area in a newer white pickup truck, possibly a Chevrolet or GMC, with tinted windows and light-colored rims.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2025
That of a former immigrant fleeing political persecution.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
The thieves snatched his wallet containing a credit card before fleeing the scene.
—Elizabeth Keogh, New York Daily News, 6 Mar. 2025
Schoenberg spent a brief time in Boston and New York, before fleeing the harsh East Coast winters for Los Angeles.
—Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025
Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
The New York Times reported that in Panama the first flights of these migrants included Christians fleeing persecution in Iran and Chinese nationals seeking asylum.
—Jack Herrera, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2025
In addition to the 240,000 Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion, and the 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans, these programs covered more than 70,000 Afghans escaping the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.
—Ted Hesson, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025
The suspects were seen fleeing west from the scene, while the victims fled east.
—Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2025
The man was last seen fleeing the area in a newer white pickup truck, possibly a Chevrolet or GMC, with tinted windows and light-colored rims.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2025
That of a former immigrant fleeing political persecution.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
The thieves snatched his wallet containing a credit card before fleeing the scene.
—Elizabeth Keogh, New York Daily News, 6 Mar. 2025
Schoenberg spent a brief time in Boston and New York, before fleeing the harsh East Coast winters for Los Angeles.
—Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fleeing
Verb
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While remote work isn’t disappearing, the era of full-time remote freedom may be ending for many workers.—
Jason Wingard,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
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The two 16-year-old girls who were lost overnight after disappearing while paddleboarding have been released from the hospital.—
Abigail Adams,
People.com,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Reading can be a powerful way of escaping, relaxing and realizing truths about ourselves and the world.—
Kara Alaimo,
CNN,
24 Mar. 2025
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Many of us dream of financial freedom, escaping the grind, and living in luxury.—
Kevin Sabet,
Newsweek,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Three top concerns include elections and political turmoil that threaten progress, companies retreating or staying silent on DEI and ESG goals, and the rise of sustainability reporting that’s (temporarily) taking up companies’ time.—
Andrew Winston,
Harvard Business Review,
20 Dec. 2024
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Deporting millions of immigrants and retreating from global trade by implementing slogans like America First will not achieve these goals.—
Andy J. Semotiuk,
Forbes,
19 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Enlist the help of a running coach.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Dec. 2024
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Penn State reaffirmed that belief by dismantling SMU and running the ball well against one of the best run defenses in the country.—
Justin Williams,
The Athletic,
31 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Fleeing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fleeing. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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