as in to flee
to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening
when a fight broke out, we hightailed it out of the bar
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hightail (it)
Verb
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In July 1987, flooding on the Guadalupe River in Kerr County forced hundreds of people to flee the area.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
12 July 2025 -
Some thought the noises were gunfire, which prompted large groups to flee the park.—
Cameron Knight,
The Enquirer,
11 July 2025
Verb
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And in this story, Superman retreats from the world after being rejected by the public for adhering to an older moral code.—
Ari Daniel,
Smithsonian Magazine,
10 July 2025
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The nonsectarian center hosts retreats that range from 3 to 13 nights, for a wide variety of experience levels, with a central focus on Theravadin teachings and bodhicitta (striving to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings).—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
9 July 2025
Verb
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Passengers flying in the United States at certain airports are no longer required to take off their shoes when going through security lines, according to news outlets including CBS News and The New York Times on Monday.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
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Gunn’s approach is colorful, in both its palette and the costumes; proudly fantastical, with flying orbs, robots, portals, and giant monsters; and at times endearingly, intentionally corny (see: Krypto the super dog).—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Verb
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On breaks, journalists would sometimes bolt out of the courthouse, furiously typing or relaying notes to editors over the phone in an attempt to be the first to file breaking news.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
9 July 2025
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The Doberman had apparently bolted during the night and sought refuge in the stranger's yard.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 July 2025
Verb
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Smith succeeds former Maryland athletic director Damon Evans, who departed for SMU in March after a simmering conflict with former head men’s basketball coach Kevin Willard came to a head during the Terrapins’ NCAA Tournament run last season.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
15 July 2025
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After moving to London to live with his youngest son, Singh joined a community of runners and ran his first marathon in 2000.—
Natasha Dye,
People.com,
15 July 2025
Verb
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For more than two decades, a special team of Mexican police officers has quietly worked along the northern border to track down and deport foreign fugitives who cross into Mexico to escape criminal charges in their home countries.—
Time,
Time,
9 July 2025
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Tanya Ramsey's brother and mother were staying in a cabin 100 yards away, and Jeff Ramsey's call to them gave them enough time to escape, Jake Ramsey said.—
Emily Shapiro,
ABC News,
9 July 2025
Verb
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The lucky person could decide to split or run away with the money.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
13 July 2025
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The gunman ran away after firing the shots, said BSO spokeswoman Miranda Grossman.—
David Goodhue
July 11,
Miami Herald,
11 July 2025
Verb
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And four runs off Zack Wheeler is a pretty good night at the plate for any team.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 July 2025
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For an unknown reason, the man ran off the roadway, left onto the northbound shoulder, FHP said.—
Elainie Barraza,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Hightail (it).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hightail%20%28it%29. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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