roam

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb roam contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of roam are meander, ramble, rove, traipse, and wander. While all these words mean "to go about from place to place usually without a plan or definite purpose," roam suggests wandering about freely and often far afield.

liked to roam through the woods

Where would meander be a reasonable alternative to roam?

The words meander and roam can be used in similar contexts, but meander implies a winding or intricate course suggestive of aimless or listless wandering.

the river meanders for miles through rich farmland

When might ramble be a better fit than roam?

Although the words ramble and roam have much in common, ramble stresses carelessness and indifference to one's course or objective.

the speaker rambled on without ever coming to the point

When is rove a more appropriate choice than roam?

While the synonyms rove and roam are close in meaning, rove suggests vigorous and sometimes purposeful roaming.

armed brigands roved over the countryside

When would traipse be a good substitute for roam?

While in some cases nearly identical to roam, traipse implies a course that is erratic but may sometimes be purposeful.

traipsed all over town looking for the right dress

When can wander be used instead of roam?

The words wander and roam are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wander implies an absence of or an indifference to a fixed course.

fond of wandering about the square just watching the people

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 roam AlUla has morphed from a sleepy archaeological site into Saudi Arabia’s adventure playground over the past decade, where visitors revel in raves and practice sunrise yoga in the same valley the Nabataeans once roamed. Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 24 Oct. 2025 But this time, cows were found roaming downtown. Chris Kenning, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025 Parasites have roamed the Earth for a long time. Regina G. Barber, NPR, 24 Oct. 2025 In the Late Cretaceous Period, when Edmontosaurus roamed what is now the American West, the climate cycled between drought and monsoon rains. Amanda Schupak, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for roam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for roam
wander
Verb
  • The latest offering – the Nomads – is designed for folks who like to wander, and can be had with three batteries.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Others let their curiosity get the best of them and wander out into the world through a new hole in the fence.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Roam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roam. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on roam

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