1
as in finding
to come upon after searching, study, or effort
finally ran down the answer after hours of research
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dismissing
to express scornfully one's low opinion of
constantly running down the city's cultural life won't do anything to improve it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 running down
Giacomo, a 50-1 shot, wins the Kentucky Derby, running down a game Afleet Alex in the final strides and generating a huge payoff.
—
Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
This dress included floral embroidery around the collar, neckline, cuffs and running down the front placket of the design.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 6 May 2026
In February 2025, Hathaway and Hartnett were spotted filming Verity in New York City, photographed running down the street while wearing semi-formal attire and holding hands.
—Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026
Tuesday’s game ended with defensive replacement Will Benson, acquired in exchange for Hajjar ahead of the 2023 season, running down a long drive by San Francisco’s Daniel Susac to secure the victory.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Less than 10 minutes later, that same fan is running down the street with others, shrieking and holding up their photos and signed papers in triumph.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2026
Instantly the turkey was up again and running down a shallow ditch.
—Bruce Brady, Outdoor Life, 8 Apr. 2026
The phone hit Green near his ear, with blood quickly running down his neck following the impact.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 15 Mar. 2026
What the picture didn’t document were the tears running down Marilyn’s cheeks.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2026
Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
This dress included floral embroidery around the collar, neckline, cuffs and running down the front placket of the design.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 6 May 2026
In February 2025, Hathaway and Hartnett were spotted filming Verity in New York City, photographed running down the street while wearing semi-formal attire and holding hands.
—Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026
Tuesday’s game ended with defensive replacement Will Benson, acquired in exchange for Hajjar ahead of the 2023 season, running down a long drive by San Francisco’s Daniel Susac to secure the victory.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Less than 10 minutes later, that same fan is running down the street with others, shrieking and holding up their photos and signed papers in triumph.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2026
Instantly the turkey was up again and running down a shallow ditch.
—Bruce Brady, Outdoor Life, 8 Apr. 2026
The phone hit Green near his ear, with blood quickly running down his neck following the impact.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 15 Mar. 2026
What the picture didn’t document were the tears running down Marilyn’s cheeks.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for running down
Verb
-
This is about finding a better balance.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
The amount of debris caused the delay in finding the second body.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Federal lawyers said judges made mistakes in dismissing the cases by arguing the Civil Rights Act granted the attorney general access to local voting records.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Quit dismissing them as uneducated.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The building will have a gym, a gross motor room with play equipment for the youngest students, a two-story library with reading nooks, a learning hub able to accommodate two classes at a time, and an outdoor area with patio furniture.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Dex’s focus on AI software developers and machine learning engineers has helped the company win over a clutch of high-profile recruiting leaders.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 May 2026
-
Delta Counties Coalition pushes back But Newsom's remarks quickly drew criticism from the Delta Counties Coalition, which accused the administration of minimizing concerns from Delta communities that oppose the tunnel project.—
Richard Ramos,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
But in the wake of discovering the hantavirus aboard the Hondius, health officials and infectious disease experts have been quick—and virtually unanimous—in trying to quell fears.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
8 May 2026
-
The mood in Venice is still borderline ecstatic, full of gossip, parties, and people chatting about art in their respective cities, trading business cards, discovering new talent, eating, drinking, and stumbling around, running into old friends.—
Nate Freeman,
Vanity Fair,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Politicos everywhere are talking down Johnson’s chances.—
Laura Washington,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Mar. 2026
-
During his remarks, Beshear accused Vance, whose memoir explores issues such as poverty and the lack of opportunity in Appalachia and the Rust Belt, of talking down to the people of Kentucky.—
Hannah Demissie,
ABC News,
22 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Wolves have not solved Wembanyama, who is significantly diminishing their inside presence.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
-
Some are seeking better time slots paired with digital extensions that can net them bigger contracts from TV networks desperate to break free from diminishing pay TV revenue.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow previously said his office remains committed to locating Smart’s remains, adding that authorities will continue using every lawful tool available to bring answers to her family.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2026
-
Yet to the researchers’ surprise, the aye-ayes had no problem locating the target areas.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Running down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/running%20down. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
