PLUNGE Synonyms: 113 Similar and Opposite Words

plunge 1 of 2

verb

ˈplənj

Definition of plunge

as in to dive

to cast oneself head first into deep water she took a deep breath and plunged from the side of the pool

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

surface

as in to dip

to go to a lower level especially abruptly prices for those televisions have really plunged since they were first introduced

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to fall

to lead or extend downward a stairway plunging into darkness

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

plunge

2 of 2

noun

as in dive

an act or instance of diving the Olympic diver took a well-executed plunge off the diving board

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

jump
leap

as in drop

the act or process of going to a lower level or altitude an overnight plunge in temperature sent the thermometer to below the freezing mark

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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 plunge

Verb

For years, conservatives have been painting California as a progressive basket case, predicting that Democratic mismanagement would plunge its economy down the tubes and send rich people fleeing. — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 2 Nov. 2026 While the cause of the tragedy remains unknown, air traffic radio captured the pilot’s voice as the plane plunged straight toward the ground. — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026

Noun

And four plays after Browne fumbled at his own 2, Washington scored on 1 -yard plunge. — CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026 Shares are soaring 16%, though that's barely making a dent in its plunge since September. — Kevin Stankiewicz,matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plunge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for plunge

Verb

Every lineup decision matters more than ever, so let’s dive into the Week 10 matchups and find the players who can give your team an edge.

— Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2026
National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum Located downtown, the National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum dives deep into the region’s economic history, with exhibits that cover mining culture, pioneer life, and period photographs from the region.

— Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of dive

Verb

Some organizations are dipping their toes in the water by using AI for basic functions, like summarizing spreadsheets or drafting marketing material.

— Kim Quillen, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026
After one of Kansas City’s warmest starts to fall on record, a sharp chill is on the way, with temperatures expected to dip below freezing Friday and Saturday mornings, according to the National Weather Service.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of dip

Noun

Note the heavy influence of Los Angeles County in the 10 cities with the region’s largest one-year rent drops.

— Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 14 Nov. 2026
His two sons, playing together in their hometown for the first time in the NHL, used two of Keith's old sticks during a ceremonial puck drop before the game.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Nov. 2026

Definition of drop

Verb

Other exhibits let visitors try a shuttle landing simulator, sit inside a replica flight deck and descend a 45-foot slide designed to evoke the shuttle’s return through Earth’s atmosphere.

— City News Service, Daily News, 12 Nov. 2026
This cell, from which all life known to us has descended, is the root of the tree of life.

— Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of descend

Noun

Akhtar argues that Spanish-speaking Muslims of Latin American descent are uniquely positioned to act as bridge-builders between Jewish and Muslim communities.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 2026
Now the country is turning that history into a new era of cultural tourism, while creating ways for travelers, particularly people of African descent, to reconnect with their heritage.

— Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026

Definition of descent

Verb

Hip-hop discourse, in recent years, has fixated on declining metrics as some arbiter of cultural failure.

— Andre Gee, Pitchfork, 13 Nov. 2026
The state forecasts that emissions in the transportation sector will continue to decline as electric and more energy efficient cars replace older ones.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 13 Nov. 2026

Definition of decline

Browse Nearby Words

plunders

plunge

plunged

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Plunge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plunge. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of plunge

verb

noun

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