as in fleeing
to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening
when a fight broke out, we hightailed it out of the bar
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hightailing (it)
Verb
-
At that same time, Daniels-Strickland allegedly turned and pulled out a handgun from his waistband and fired an unknown number of shots at Clark, Knowles and another person before fleeing the area.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
27 Jan. 2026 -
In Miami, an 88-year-old survivor remembers fleeing on foot at age four, forced into cattle cars and sent to Siberia.—
Talia Kaplan,
New York Daily News,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The film’s opening stretch whizzes along as Charli — a natural, engaging actor — is dragged from one banal, vaguely embarrassing meeting or negotiation to another, sketchy vignettes usually punctuated at their close by Charli putting on her dark sunglasses and retreating back inward.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Trump’s remarks Wednesday, suddenly retreating from his threat of military force, could mitigate some of the damage inflicted on Washington’s most cherished relationships.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Quayle said that partially because of new restrictions on Newark flying, United will have aircraft available.—
Ted Reed,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
However, on January 29, the Black Hawk was flying following an FAA memorandum which allowed it to be turned off.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Many tasks are still completed by hand, from sewing the dashboard leather to bolting in suspension components, but automated electric transports are used to deliver parts and move vehicles between workstations.—
Tim Pitt,
Robb Report,
28 Jan. 2026
-
The five-star freshman had committed to USC with every intention of bolting for the NBA after one season, only for the setbacks of the past year to put his likely lottery status in doubt.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Police said in each incident, the suspect breaks in through the back door and steals jewelry, clothes, and electronics before running away.—
Natalie Goldstick,
CBS News,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Morales grabbed a patio chair to fend off his attackers before running away with his assailants in tow, prosecutors said.—
City News Service,
Oc Register,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
As eyewitnesses, police body cameras and a police helicopter recorded the scene, Husien briefly got into the sergeant’s police SUV before running off as dozens of gunshots were fired.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
23 Jan. 2026
-
In some cases, damage can happen as the snow melts, as remaining ice can prevent water from running off the roof, leading to pooling and leakage.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
When the snow begins, PRT will be running trains without passengers to make sure the rails are free of snow and ice, ensuring service with passengers goes on largely uninterrupted.—
Chilekasi Adele,
CBS News,
25 Jan. 2026
-
The same set spent much longer ruling the Top Country Albums chart, but surprisingly, it is not counted as Wallen’s set with the most frames running the show.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Her baby's father answered the door with his eyes bugging out, and Frierson barged in to find two other guys, needles, spoons and powder on the table.—
Brad Schmitt,
The Tennessean,
21 Aug. 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Hightailing (it).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hightailing%20%28it%29. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
