Synonyms of rove

rove

verb

ˈrōv 

as in to roam

to move about from place to place aimlessly

buffalo roving over the vast plains

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb rove contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rove are meander, ramble, roam, traipse, and wander. While all these words mean "to go about from place to place usually without a plan or definite purpose," rove suggests vigorous and sometimes purposeful roaming.

armed brigands roved over the countryside

When is meander a more appropriate choice than rove?

The words meander and rove are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, meander implies a winding or intricate course suggestive of aimless or listless wandering.

the river meanders for miles through rich farmland

Where would ramble be a reasonable alternative to rove?

Although the words ramble and rove 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 would roam be a good substitute for rove?

The words roam and rove can be used in similar contexts, but roam suggests wandering about freely and often far afield.

liked to roam through the woods

When might traipse be a better fit than rove?

The meanings of traipse and rove largely overlap; however, traipse implies a course that is erratic but may sometimes be purposeful.

traipsed all over town looking for the right dress

In what contexts can wander take the place of rove?

While in some cases nearly identical to rove, 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 rove

After seven years of operating City Limits as a roving food truck, Robbie Robinson set down roots in West Columbia in 2023 and created a sprawling barbecue oasis. —Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2025

Howard Cunnell) Kerouac spent a few years roving around the US with Neal Cassady in mid-20th century America and hanging out with the Beats. —Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025

The city and its neighborhoods seemed abandoned, except for the occasional roving pack of rescue workers or out-of-town law enforcement. —Mandi Wright, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 2025

Chief Theetge's roving task force has been on the streets for about a month, reporting dozens of arrests. —Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 5 Aug. 2025