Synonyms of roam

roam

verb

ˈrōm 

as in to wander

to move about from place to place aimlessly

he took a year off and roamed over Europe before going on to college

Synonyms & Similar Words

• wander
• drift
• stroll
• cruise
• float
• rove
• meander
• traipse
• range
• gallivant
• knock (about)
• ramble
• galavant
• saunter
• bat
• mooch
• amble
• gad (about)
• kick around
• maunder
• dawdle
• stray
• vagabond
• mope
• gypsy
• mill (about or around)
• straggle
• hobo
• tramp

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

Recent Examples of roam

Johnson County officials are turning to Fort Worth for help in capturing a pack of dogs roaming neighborhoods in Godley and threatening children’s safety. —Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Oct. 2025

Best Remote Controlled Toy Prehistoric creatures may have roamed the earth millions of years ago, but this toy brings them back to life in a way that will thrill and delight your child. —Pamela Brill, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025

According to authorities Gibson allowed his large dogs to roam freely in the neighborhood and a neighbor’s ring camera caught footage moments after the alleged atatck. —Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025

Over the past few months, the Fulton County Police Department had received complaints about Gibson’s large dogs getting loose and roaming the streets of his upscale neighborhood in Buckhead, Fulton County Police Captain Nicole Dwyer said, the Associated Press reports. —Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025