MIGRATORY Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

migratory

adjective

ˈmī-grə-ˌtȯr-ē

as in migrant

having a way of life that involves moving from one region to another typically on a seasonal basis most of the apple crop is picked by migratory workers migratory birds heading south for the winter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of migratory Lame Duck Known for its incessant, sometimes humorous, often unbelievable, but still consequential quacking, the lame duck, in theory, will eventually depart for Florida and stay there, becoming non-migratory. —

Christopher Gangemi, New Yorker, 21 May 2026 Wildlife biologists say the heat generated by the center could also disrupt the movement of migratory birds, deer, and antelope. —

Mary Jane Gibson, Rolling Stone, 17 May 2026 Patches of seagrass meadows and mangrove forests line the coasts, as do mudflats that serve as crucial feeding sites for migratory birds. —

Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 14 May 2026 Officers reminded residents that migratory birds are protected by federal law and cannot be moved or relocated in most cases. —

Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for migratory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for migratory

migrant

Adjective

Atallah works with non-governmental organizations to run free classes for migrant workers, girls and women in refugee camps and those in the LGBT community - among the most marginalized and vulnerable in society.

— Jane Arraf, NPR, 25 May 2026
The Pope also used his letter to issue the strongest papal condemnation of anti-migrant politics in years, sharply criticize modern capitalism and suggest climate destruction is a moral crime against the poor.

— Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026