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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hightailing (it)
Verb
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Investigators said the suspect fired into the vehicle, striking the victim, before fleeing the scene.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
21 Jan. 2026 -
Morrow said the driver stopped briefly before fleeing.—
Christina Coulter,
PEOPLE,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The pact also included staffing improvements, though the union and hospitals now disagree about how much progress has been made, or whether the hospitals are retreating from staffing guarantees.—
David R. Martin,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Jan. 2026
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Gosling has a way of retreating into a silence more emotionally eloquent than the film’s occasionally clunky dialogue.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Hall was in net when Boston's Bobby Orr scored in overtime to win the Cup for the Bruins in 1970, a goal that's among the most famous in hockey history because of the flying through the air celebration that followed.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
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While some travelers praise the trend for reducing stress and avoiding baggage fees, others say flying without bags is unrealistic for longer trips or work travel.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Moments later, bodycam video shows Hairston suddenly bolting from deputies, stumbling into the road and engaging in a struggle with deputies.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
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The police footage shows the man turning and bolting away from officers before quickly tripping over his own feet just a few steps past his car.—
Sean Neumann,
PEOPLE,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Whether Allen was in the process of turning and running away or stumbling in a chaotic scene in a wobbly subway car was unclear.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Jan. 2026
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Vazquez said the problem was that Stella kept running away.—
Erin Clements,
PEOPLE,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Investigators said a man walked up to the car and fired shots before running off.—
Lauren Victory,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
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The next progression is running off makes, the Holy Grail for transition teams because taking the ball out of the net gives the defense more time to retreat.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The attention has also led to a few funny moments, including running into friends and colleagues who were shocked to recognize the family from a viral video.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
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These running sneakers are perfect for anyone running or walking long distances.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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
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Cite this Entry
“Hightailing (it).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hightailing%20%28it%29. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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