1
as in rushed
acting or done with excessive or careless speed
a flying attempt at finishing the work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rapid
moving, proceeding, or acting with great speed
that car was flying as it careened down the streets
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in flight
travel through the air by the use of wings
had never had the slightest fear of flying
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in hovering
to move through the air with or as if with outstretched wings
the Wright brothers realized mankind's age-old wish to fly
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in escaping
to get free from a dangerous or confining situation
you must fly to safety immediately
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in travelling
to proceed or move quickly
flew down the concourse to catch his flight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in fleeing
to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening
no one in the movies ever thinks to fly from the ax murderer and immediately call the police
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in disappearing
to cease to be visible
the morning mist had flown, and a sparkling sea lay before us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in working
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval
the familiar "Because I said so!" is a reason that won't fly with most teenagers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of flying
Kate S. Petersen, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2025
Social media users have suggested the small flying objects were Skittles candy.
—Janelle Ash, Fox News, 1 Dec. 2024
Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Rediscovering a Ukrainian identity Ukraine’s heightened sense of unity is on display in cities and villages, in restaurants, gas stations, and mom-and-pop shops, with the ubiquitous flying of the Ukrainian flag.
—Howard Lafranchi, Christian Science Monitor, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flying
Adjective
Our fact-check sources Chaos Factory (YouTube), Sept. 1, 2023, BREAKING: UFO's seen over South Florida today being followed by military attack helicopters
Business Insider, Feb. 12, 2023, The US has shot down 3 suspicious flying objects in 3 days.
—Kate S. Petersen, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2025
Social media users have suggested the small flying objects were Skittles candy.
—Janelle Ash, Fox News, 1 Dec. 2024
Noun
As the name implies, the operation entailed the Israeli Air Force flying fighter jets, including its fifth-generation F-35I Adir, and tankers 1,118 miles to strike back.
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Rediscovering a Ukrainian identity Ukraine’s heightened sense of unity is on display in cities and villages, in restaurants, gas stations, and mom-and-pop shops, with the ubiquitous flying of the Ukrainian flag.
—Howard Lafranchi, Christian Science Monitor, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flying
Adjective
-
The 20-year-old centre-back is one of the most exciting defensive prospects around and his move to the Santiago Bernabeu marks the highest point yet of a remarkably rapid rise.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
-
The Alien Enemies Act of 1798 authorizes the rapid deportation of migrants from countries with which the United States is at war or that are attempting an invasion.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
Guests with Gold Status will also continue to enjoy free bags, Wi-Fi (subject to availability), complimentary snacks and drinks, including alcohol on eligible flights.—
Vinod Sreeharsha,
Miami Herald,
14 May 2025
-
Rory has company on the marquee, though, as the top of the men’s game enters the season’s second major championship in full flight.—
Justin Ray,
New York Times,
14 May 2025
Verb
-
The chance for precipitation is hovering around 60% as of Saturday morning and rainfall amounts are expected to reach between a tenth and quarter of an inch, the forecast shows.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
22 Mar. 2025
-
To the north, Canada also slipped down the ladder but remains well ahead of the US, coming in at 18 after hovering around 15 for the last few years.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Reading can be a powerful way of escaping, relaxing and realizing truths about ourselves and the world.—
Kara Alaimo,
CNN,
24 Mar. 2025
-
Many of us dream of financial freedom, escaping the grind, and living in luxury.—
Kevin Sabet,
Newsweek,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
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
Verb
-
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
-
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
Verb
-
After 16 years working with world's largest brands and acts, Stirling is now a creative director with Tvg Hospitality.—
Matthew MacConnell,
Forbes,
27 Dec. 2024
-
Or pushing through with friendships that aren’t really working anymore, and maybe never did.—
Daisy Jones,
Vogue,
27 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
This comes as the Trump administration has faced growing criticisms for its hurried proceedings to remove as many noncitizens from the country as quickly as possible.—
Alana Wise,
NPR,
26 Apr. 2025
-
In Alentejo, food is meant to be shared, and time at the table is never hurried, and this is a central element of the experience at São Lourenço do Barrocal.—
Monica Mendal,
Vogue,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Flying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flying. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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