FREE-FALL Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

free-fall 1 of 2

noun

Definition of free-fall

as in slide

Related Words

Relevance

free-fall

2 of 2

verb

as in to plummet

Related Words

Dissimilar 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 free-fall

Noun

The film, in which Powell plays a country-western star in free-fall, has been set for release on February 5, 2027. — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2026 While the crypto free-fall seems to have paused, the extreme price swings remain. — Joe Wilkins Published Mar 18, Futurism, 18 Mar. 2026 Late last year, Saudi Arabia's Six Flags Qiddiya City opened the world's longest, tallest, and fastest roller coaster, opened the world’s tallest free-fall ride, and opened the world’s tallest pendulum ride. — Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 25 Feb. 2026 Corbet’s starts with a near-vertical free-fall for 10 to 20 feet, depending on the snowpack, before the run opens to a narrow, rocky chute. — Owen Clarke, Outside, 30 Jan. 2026 Each has only lasted two games, so this isn’t a free-fall. — Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026 In addition to featuring the same hybrid rollercoaster and water slide that can be found on the Prima Plus-class Norwegian Aqua, Luna will have a 10-deck free-fall slide called The Drop and a top-deck sports and outdoor gaming space called The Stadium. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Jan. 2026 The timepiece endured low pressure and temperature and a free-fall speed of 821 mph, above the sound barrier. — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019

Recent Examples of Synonyms for free-fall

Noun

Isar’s Spectrum slides in below the performance envelope of the Vega-C rocket from Italy’s Avio.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 6 Sep. 2026
However, Guerrero made a nifty slide to avoid Carter Jensen’s tag.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of slide

Verb

Federal data shows face-to-face socializing has plummeted since tracking began in 2003, with Americans spending just 35 minutes a day connecting in person, down 15% from a decade ago.

— Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2026
But just two years ago, Albemarle outlined $750 million in cost-cutting measures, including layoffs and project postponements, amid plummeting EV demand.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of plummet

Verb

They’ve been assembled for a brain-breaker of a misfired melodrama, at first darkly amusing, before plunging headlong into soap opera-style twists and a general sense of heavy depression that no one can shake.

— Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026
But Democratic Speaker Willie Brown had a Republican supporter, Paul Horcher, who voted to retain Brown as speaker, plunging the two parties into a yearlong fight for control.

— Dan Morain, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of plunge

Noun

That defeat was part of a skid for the Orioles that has reached six games, knocking them four games off the pace in the race for the AL's last postseason spot.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026
Walker broke an 0-for-11 skid with a single in the second and homered on Cole's 1-0 curveball for a 3-0 lead in the fifth.

— CBS News, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of skid

Verb

While the Tomba del Gallo seems to have prioritized a calm experience, the Tomb of the Blue Demon likely precipitated feelings of disembodiment and disorientation.

— Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 14 Sep. 2026
The need for upgrades to campus infrastructure and the slow process of obtaining tax credits left the building program years behind schedule, precipitating a 2022 lawsuit.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of precipitate

Verb

That pair, combined with the wider structure and personnel around them, ensure Leeds do not collapse when home sides like Brighton, predictably, lay it on thick.

— Beren Cross, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Researchers believe volcanic activity triggered an underwater landslide and caused a large chunk of Anak Krakatau’s southwest slope to collapse and displace a large volume of water.

— Tatan Syuflana, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of collapse

Browse Nearby Words

freedwomen

free-fall

free-falling

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Free-fall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free-fall. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of free-fall

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

churlish

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 18

Popular

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes