ran

variants also chiefly dialectal run
Definition of rannext
past tense of run
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as in led
to be positioned along a certain course or in a certain direction the road runs along the river for a while

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4
as in ranged
to occur within a continuous range of variation the electric bill runs between 30 and 50 dollars a month

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as in leaned
to show a liking or proneness (for something) unfortunately, members of his family run to fatness

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

8
as in drove
to urge, push, or force onward they ran the horses hard in order to get to the ranch quickly

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9
as in operated
to control the mechanical operation of I know how to run that machine

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10
as in became
to eventually have as a state or quality the poor woman ran herself ragged trying to care for all those children

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as in cost
to have a price of that sort of computer runs at least several hundred dollars

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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 ran The former Charlotte bus driver, who just unsuccessfully ran for a Mecklenburg County Commission at-large seat, faces charges of assaulting a federal agent while on federal property. Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026 As token prices decline, demand for these supporting systems may grow because companies will run more models across more tasks. Gerui Wang, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Stewart's two-run single off Wilber Dotel (1-4) in the eighth tied the score 7-7. CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026 The lack of pads, of course, should be factored in yet the offense has shown some success when running towards the left. Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2026 That show ran for eight seasons, ending earlier this year with an 18-episode season. Peter White, Deadline, 31 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ran
Verb
  • Ohtani trotted home on his bad knee – which will prevent him from pitching indefinitely but not hitting – when Freddie Freeman dumped a two-out, two-strike RBI single into center field.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 20 July 2026
  • Joe Biden famously trotted across the road shaking hands and kissing babies during Pittsburgh’s Labor Day parade in 2015.
    Salena Zito, Washington Post, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Exxon shares retreated about 2% in premarket trading on Friday as it’s adjusted per-share profit narrowly missed forecasts.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • Out of possession, Benfica looked to man-mark higher up the pitch but retreated into their customary 4-2-3-1 shape as teams got forward, with the wingers moving infield as seen below.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • More than 40 weekly fitness experiences invite guests to move with intention, from sunrise yoga and Pilates sessions to high-energy strength and conditioning classes led by expert instructors.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 31 July 2026
  • The Rattlers are led by coach Cody Lambert, the co-founder of PBR and a memer of several rodeo halls of fame.
    Cal Phillips July 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • At a previous gathering in Costa Rica, the participants ranged from advanced CrossFit athletes to women returning to exercise after having children.
    Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The Princess of Wales’ recent style has ranged from red carpet glam at the BAFTA awards to summertime chic on the sidelines of a charity polo match.
    Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • After Klee announced his death on July 25, tributes flowed on social media for the little dog whose cancer diagnosis was revealed in May.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The park itself wasn’t crowded during USA TODAY’s visit on July 30, but a steady stream of guests flowed through the front entrance, stopping only for security since there were no admission fees.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Huffy, a brand once dismissed by some but historically durable and even Olympic-raced, has successfully reinvented itself in the e-bike market.
    William Roberson, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Right fielder Wilyer Abreu raced home, tying the game at 4-4.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • Ultimately, the 11 year mark gave the whiskey enough variation compared to existing Stranahan’s offerings and leaned into the influence of high-elevation aging.
    David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Craig leaned forward and put his left hand into it, up to the wrist.
    Gabriel Winslow-Yost, New Yorker, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • The Jayhawks defeated Wichita State on Monday in Wichita, drove back to Lawrence on Tuesday morning, then boarded the bus for Lexington late Tuesday afternoon.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
  • The Iran war triggered a historic oil shortage that drove up fuel costs and catapulted inflation to a three-year high in May, the same month Warsh took the helm of the central bank.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 30 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ran.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ran. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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