as in floats
to rest or move along the surface of a liquid or in the air
claimed that the UFO hovered a moment, then spun off into space at incredible speed
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hovers
The homicide clearance rate is extraordinary for a city that hovers around 1 million residents.
—
Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 30 Aug. 2025
Tuition for in-state students hovers at $7,000, while out-of-state tuition is just under $20,000.
—Francesca Walton, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Today’s commercial planes spend most of their time at 30,000 feet (or more) where the temperature hovers around -40 degrees Fahrenheit, and temps as low as -70 degrees aren’t unheard of.
—Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 23 Aug. 2025
The singer hovers in a genre limbo.
—Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 22 Aug. 2025
The Chronic Health Gap The average life expectancy in industrialized countries hovers around 80 years.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025
The square exhibit hall hovers 40 feet above the ground, its weight supported by five pillars representing the five branches of the military.
—Jason Allen, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2025
In a small Danish cemetery, a researcher hovers over a fallen tree covered by a rich green mat.
—Paulina Rowińska, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2025
The average discount on beauty products hovers around 50 percent, with Byredo, Chloé and La Mer ranking as the platform’s top three brands by revenue; its top three by units sold are Futurewise (which was shuttered in March), Goop and True Botanicals.
—Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 30 Aug. 2025
Tuition for in-state students hovers at $7,000, while out-of-state tuition is just under $20,000.
—Francesca Walton, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Today’s commercial planes spend most of their time at 30,000 feet (or more) where the temperature hovers around -40 degrees Fahrenheit, and temps as low as -70 degrees aren’t unheard of.
—Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 23 Aug. 2025
The singer hovers in a genre limbo.
—Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 22 Aug. 2025
The Chronic Health Gap The average life expectancy in industrialized countries hovers around 80 years.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025
The square exhibit hall hovers 40 feet above the ground, its weight supported by five pillars representing the five branches of the military.
—Jason Allen, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2025
In a small Danish cemetery, a researcher hovers over a fallen tree covered by a rich green mat.
—Paulina Rowińska, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2025
The average discount on beauty products hovers around 50 percent, with Byredo, Chloé and La Mer ranking as the platform’s top three brands by revenue; its top three by units sold are Futurewise (which was shuttered in March), Goop and True Botanicals.
—Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hovers
Verb
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Guests are encouraged to live fully in the space, where morning coffee brews in a Hay French press, poolside afternoons are spent on Oliver James floats, and alfresco dinners happen amid DWR’s Terassi outdoor teak furniture (all of which, naturally, is for sale).—
John Wogan,
Robb Report,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Afterward, retreat to the spa’s relaxation lounge—where a glowing copper teardrop floats above cedar banquettes—while next door, the subterranean fitness center boasts Technogym gear and treadmills—all below the waterline.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Disney Cruise Line Disney sails Halloween on the High Seas voyages in September and October, where passengers will find special decor – including a magical Halloween tree – themed desserts and drinks and other festive activities.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
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Aqua Blu, a former yacht of the Campari family reimagined as a 30-cabin expedition yacht, sails week-long routes from Bali through Komodo and up to Raja Ampat.—
Lela London,
Forbes.com,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The halibut swims in a magenta consommé of dashi and beetroot.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
31 Aug. 2025
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The title appears to be a metaphor suggesting that we’re destined to return to our familial relationships as frequently as the clownfish swims back into the tentacles of an anemone.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
21 Aug. 2025
Verb
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With two pairs of legs to each ring, the new species glides around on 160 legs.—
Lauren Liebhaber,
Miami Herald,
29 Aug. 2025
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On the 25th, Venus glides into Leo, spotlighting your financial world and your sense of self-worth.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
24 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The former Chelsea and Aston Villa winger offers Sunderland something slightly different in terms of being a left-footed player who drifts in from the right.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
2 Sep. 2025
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The video shows the shark's dorsal fin cutting across the water before the giant fish drifts along the side of the kayak, its skin visible just below the surface.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hovers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hovers. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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