Synonyms of meander

meander 1 of 2

verb

as in to wander

to move about from place to place aimlessly

theatergoers meandering around the lobby waiting for the play to start

Synonyms & Similar Words

• wander
• roam
• stroll
• drift
• float
• cruise
• ramble
• rove
• traipse
• range
• knock (about)
• saunter
• amble
• gallivant
• bat
• mooch
• maunder
• dawdle
• gad (about)
• kick around
• mope
• stray
• straggle
• mill (about or around)
• tramp
• vagabond
• hobo

meander

2 of 2

noun

as in tangle

Related Words

• tangle
• snarl
• web
• labyrinth
• maze
• warren
• catacomb
• knot
• rabbit warren
• cat's cradle
• entanglement
• jungle
• snare
• entrapment
• trap
• quagmire

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb meander contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of meander are ramble, roam, rove, traipse, and wander. While all these words mean "to go about from place to place usually without a plan or definite purpose," meander implies a winding or intricate course suggestive of aimless or listless wandering.

the river meanders for miles through rich farmland

When would ramble be a good substitute for meander?

The words ramble and meander can be used in similar contexts, but ramble stresses carelessness and indifference to one's course or objective.

the speaker rambled on without ever coming to the point

When might roam be a better fit than meander?

The meanings of roam and meander largely overlap; however, roam suggests wandering about freely and often far afield.

liked to roam through the woods

When can rove be used instead of meander?

While in some cases nearly identical to meander, rove suggests vigorous and sometimes purposeful roaming.

armed brigands roved over the countryside

When is traipse a more appropriate choice than meander?

Although the words traipse and meander have much in common, traipse implies a course that is erratic but may sometimes be purposeful.

traipsed all over town looking for the right dress

When is it sensible to use wander instead of meander?

The synonyms wander and meander are sometimes interchangeable, but wander implies an absence of or an indifference to a fixed course.

fond of wandering about the square just watching the people

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of meander

Verb

While meandering through, stop in Scarlett & Company, Jonesborough Antique Mart, The Lollipop Shop, and Mauk's of Jonesborough. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026

Spend late morning taking a stroll around the Garden’s meandering paths decorated by statues, fountains, various trees and plants, and a six-acre pond with massive 6,000-pound swan boats that can ferry up to roughly 20 visitors per ride. —Tanya Edwards, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 June 2026

Once while walking to the trailhead, I was greeted by a local dog whose collar informed me that he was allowed to meander about and knew how to get back home. —Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026

Little creeks meandered from lake to lake and through patches of lush grassy meadows and swamps, while the trail followed the higher ground covered with spruce. —Anton Money, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026

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