floated

past tense of float
1
as in hovered
to rest or move along the surface of a liquid or in the air a canoe floating down the river particles of dust floating in the air

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

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 floated Troy Jackson, a logger and former candidate in Maine’s Democratic gubernatorial primary and a progressive, has been floated as a candidate who could appeal to Platner’s voters. Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 7 July 2026 The ball floated toward the box, over Egypt’s Yasser Ibrahim and toward the head of Enzo Fernández. Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 7 July 2026 In the fourth quarter, Acuff sliced through four defenders in the paint and floated one in off the back rim. Devon Henderson, New York Times, 5 July 2026 Witnesses told the outlet that Paolasin went into the water to retrieve a shoe that had floated away. Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026 Many have floated the idea of giving him the Nobel Peace Prize, naming airports after him, and making his birthday a federal holiday. Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 4 July 2026 McGregor has floated big-money boxing and bareknuckle spectacles, and recently claimed Terence Crawford turned down a nine-figure two-fight deal to face him. Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 Suggestions are floated and swiftly vetoed (Symi—too far, Spetses—too posh), and then inspiration strikes. Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 3 July 2026 Emerson’s single that floated just above the outstretched glove of Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel drove in the first two. Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for floated
Verb
  • But taken as a percentage of GDP, the US has hovered around 3% range -- less than Poland and Baltic allies.
    Isabella Murray, ABC News, 6 July 2026
  • For about a decade, the number has hovered somewhere between 200,000 and 340,000 people.
    Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Kahan’s fans — they’re called Busyheads, after his 2019 debut — wandered the festival grounds in their Kahan merch and cowboy boots, taking in the stunning view of the Hudson River.
    Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 5 July 2026
  • The American mink likely wandered into the resident's yard from the riverbank, according to the Sonoma County Animal Service.
    Noe Padilla, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • His blast, which sailed just inside the right field foul pole, was the difference as the Padres beat the Diamondbacks 4-1 at Petco Park.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
  • When Shackleton sailed 800 miles seeking rescue, Wild stayed on Elephant Island with 21 men and dwindling supplies.
    Ed Brzychcy, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • For much of Sunday afternoon, Norway’s 6-foot-5 superstar Erling Haaland roamed the field, biding his time against Brazil, waiting for his moment to strike.
    Tim Rohan, NBC news, 6 July 2026
  • Nomadic warriors called the Scythians roamed the Eurasian Steppe on horseback during the Iron Age.
    Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • And none of us have swam in the ocean the same way since!
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026
  • His father, John, swam for the Spartans.
    Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • But here, Desire Doue played a little deeper than usual, and Kylian Mbappe drifted over to that side, always ready to break.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 10 July 2026
  • Short-form social content that recruits new audiences and reactivates the ones who drifted away.
    Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • Cubans strolled along el Paseo del Prado promenade in the inky night, desperate to escape the stifling heat of their homes.
    Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • More recently, Amal Clooney strolled through the South of France hand-in-hand with husband George in a black micro-mini with shorts peeking out underneath.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • In his first bout at 170 pounds, Makhachev cruised to a decision win over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in November 2025, easily wresting the UFC welterweight crown from Della Maddalena.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Zebby Matthews cruised through the first four frames, allowing just one run.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 4 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Floated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/floated. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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