as in rambling
passing from one topic to another
a meandering interview with the presidential hopeful that covered everything from his family life to his proposed foreign policy
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in wandering
to move about from place to place aimlessly
theatergoers meandering around the lobby waiting for the play to start
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Recent Examples of meandering
Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 12 Jan. 2026
Morrissey’s meandering comeback has finally arrived at the release of new music.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 9 Jan. 2026
The real star of the show, however, was the large green gemstone detailing that trailed across the blazer and skirt in a looping, meandering abstract lines.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026
Skaters are able to glide through a path full of narrow, meandering canals that connect three main ponds.
—Ashley Opina, Twin Cities, 31 Dec. 2025
Some of this meandering mess is the result of the deliberate demolition of spacecraft by way of anti-satellite weapons testing.
—Leonard David, Space.com, 30 Dec. 2025
Instead the path to becoming exceptional at a skill might look a lot more like meandering.
—Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 18 Dec. 2025
The drive to reach the Fontenille Collection property is like entering a painting; meandering hillsides dotted with vines and cypress trees slowly reveal Pieve Aldina’s verdant entrance.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 25 Nov. 2025
The rolling property, linked by meandering paths that wind through a redwood grove and pass under a bridge, includes an two-story guesthouse, an executive-length golf course, a 150-seat amphitheater, and a huge lawn for staging events.
—Mark David, Robb Report, 24 Nov. 2025
Verb
That is a conceptual challenge, or shortcoming, that can only be overcome with both some background knowledge on the works and a bit of meandering around the Golden Triangle neighborhood.
—Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 12 Jan. 2026
Morrissey’s meandering comeback has finally arrived at the release of new music.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 9 Jan. 2026
The real star of the show, however, was the large green gemstone detailing that trailed across the blazer and skirt in a looping, meandering abstract lines.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026
Skaters are able to glide through a path full of narrow, meandering canals that connect three main ponds.
—Ashley Opina, Twin Cities, 31 Dec. 2025
Some of this meandering mess is the result of the deliberate demolition of spacecraft by way of anti-satellite weapons testing.
—Leonard David, Space.com, 30 Dec. 2025
Instead the path to becoming exceptional at a skill might look a lot more like meandering.
—Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 18 Dec. 2025
The drive to reach the Fontenille Collection property is like entering a painting; meandering hillsides dotted with vines and cypress trees slowly reveal Pieve Aldina’s verdant entrance.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 25 Nov. 2025
The rolling property, linked by meandering paths that wind through a redwood grove and pass under a bridge, includes an two-story guesthouse, an executive-length golf course, a 150-seat amphitheater, and a huge lawn for staging events.
—Mark David, Robb Report, 24 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meandering
Adjective
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Instead, DeSantis unleashed a rambling recap of the past seven years, with plenty of unsourced statistics, claims of victory that aren’t supported by reality, and wording often designed to obfuscate the most controversial parts of his tenure.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 Jan. 2026
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Day trips to Amalfi-style Taormina are well-advised for those who have yet to gawp at its clifftop panoramas across the Mediterranean or its film star hotels, as are jaunts to the rambling flea markets and splendidly scruffy trattorias of nearby Catania.—
Rosalyn Wikeley,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The human brain is highly susceptible to often unproductive mind-wandering, and modern technology has only made the problem worse.—
Harvard Business Review,
Harvard Business Review,
7 Jan. 2026
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The cafe is known for its panoramic view of small planes taking off or landing but also for past concerns about customers wandering off the driveway into the path of taxiing planes.—
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Unlike coyotes, which often range even in daytime as pairs or small family groups, bobcats and foxes spend the winter roaming their territory in solitude.—
Susan Koch,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Jan. 2026
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The Detroit native also praised Rock's property, calling the home paradise as the beauty influencer lives on a lush land complete with chickens, peacocks and an assortment of roaming farm animals.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Saudi geopolitical researcher Salman Al-Ansari rejects claims that Riyadh is drifting ideologically or embracing Islamist movements, framing Saudi policy as interest-driven.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
13 Jan. 2026
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Arda Guler started the season well, either positioned permanently on the right flank or drifting there from the centre, but is on a run of 19 appearances without a goal or an assist.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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While strolling in New York City, Katie Holmes went for a casual vibe in baggy black jeans with a light jacket and a crossbody bag, while Jennifer Garner's pair had a touch of subtle elegance with gold-tone hardware.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
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Shuter also reported that, in Aspen, the couple were seen shopping together and holding hands while strolling around the ski town.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Meandering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meandering. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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