1
as in to escape
to get free from a dangerous or confining situation
ran away from an unhappy marriage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to retreat
to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening
the child runs away from large dogs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in rampant
showing no signs of being under control
a region plagued by runaway suburban sprawl
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in sweep
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 run away
Brooke Baitinger, Sacbee.com, 10 Mar. 2026
The woman ran away and eventually called 911, prosecutors said.
—ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026
The result was an unexpected runaway hit, which cast a national spotlight on a rich catalog of timeless songs and artists including Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, The Fairfield Four, Dan Tyminski and Ralph Stanley, while also featuring select original recordings from the 1920s and 1950s.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 27 Feb. 2026
C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
Rose is considered an endangered runaway and is without her prescribed medication, the post said.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for run away
Verb
Don’t let kids run away from the bear.
—Brooke Baitinger, Sacbee.com, 10 Mar. 2026
The woman ran away and eventually called 911, prosecutors said.
—ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
The new investigation is part of an administration-wide initiative to address fraud around the country, which federal officials say is needed to rein in runaway spending and protect taxpayers.
—ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026
The result was an unexpected runaway hit, which cast a national spotlight on a rich catalog of timeless songs and artists including Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, The Fairfield Four, Dan Tyminski and Ralph Stanley, while also featuring select original recordings from the 1920s and 1950s.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
In just under six first-quarter minutes with Nelson on the floor, the Nets outscored Cleveland 19-13, turning what looked like another early runaway into a manageable 29-24 deficit after one.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
Rose is considered an endangered runaway and is without her prescribed medication, the post said.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for run away
Recent Examples of Synonyms for run away
Verb
-
With Sunday marking the start of a four-game homestand that includes matchups against the Wizards on Tuesday, Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday and Orlando Magic on Saturday, this is an important week for the Heat to take advantage of in its push to escape the NBA’s play-in tournament.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Unlike that unfortunate royal, however, the hoard of coins successfully escaped capture; Anastasia, in reality, did not.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
No more eight-minute buffer to retreat to.—
Jennifer Wolfgram,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
-
My group watched two sets of soldiers march in, twirl their guns, click their heels, and then retreat out of sight.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Others are here because their parents are seeking refuge from countries where violence is rampant and children are at risk of being forced into drug cartels, human trafficking or worse.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Since 2022, when the state published its audit report, California's Department of Public Health has issued enforcement actions against seven hospice facilities statewide — despite the state auditor warning that fraud was rampant.—
Graham Kates,
CBS News,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Lindo, in a career-achievement trophy by way of Sinners sweep; Skarsgård in a career-achievement trophy by way of category fraud.—
Nate Jones,
Vulture,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Before settling in for the season, give the floor a good sweep and wash.—
Abby Price,
Southern Living,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Turkey has been further enhancing its border defenses to be able to respond to a potential influx of people fleeing unrest after mass antigovernment protests in Iran were met by a brutal crackdown in January that left thousands dead.—
Serra Yedikardes,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Deputies tried to pull the driver over, but the driver instead chose to flee, and during the chase, the driver allegedly turned his headlights off to try and evade deputies, the sheriff's office said.—
Jose Fabian,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
One diner, who works in the hospitality industry and is flying across the country to attend the pop-up and visit friends, is keeping his seat.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2026
-
In another set of images by photographer Ian Recchio, who goes by @Lookunderocks on Instagram, another aircraft, described as a business-jet-type platform, was seen flying below the refueling formation.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The 1,323-pound spacecraft, launched 14 years ago, made an uncontrolled re-entry on Tuesday evening.—
Marissa Martinez,
NBC news,
11 Mar. 2026
-
When a man already has high blood pressure or uncontrolled diabetes, the likely causes of ED are easier to pinpoint.—
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt,
CNN Money,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
All of UConn’s stars were spectacular in the blowout victory.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
8 Mar. 2026
-
But the Red Storm won their final three games after that blowout defeat, while UConn went just 1-1 and looked vulnerable in both.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Run away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/run%20away. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
