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
As for her footwear, Taylor went with dramatic platforms in a shade of military green, featuring silver mary jane-style buckles and laces running down the front.
—
Julia Teti, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2025
He could be seen excitedly running down the Philly sideline while gesturing to his groin.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2025
No play this season showed more leadership than McAlister running down field and making key blocks for Kevorian Barnes on his 75-yard touchdown against the Tar Heels.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2025
After making a 23-yard reception, Kelce could be seen making the gesture while running down the Philadelphia sideline.
—Jodi Guglielmi, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2025
After securing the ball, Mukuba took off running down the sideline.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2025
Kelly was running down the sideline to call a timeout after an LSU play in the second quarter.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025
California lawmakers are running down the clock to craft a deal to renew the state’s influential cap-and-trade climate policy.
—Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 10 Sep. 2025
The drop led to the Eagles getting the ball back and running down the clock to secure a tough first victory in their title defense.
—Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
Julia Teti, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2025
He could be seen excitedly running down the Philly sideline while gesturing to his groin.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2025
No play this season showed more leadership than McAlister running down field and making key blocks for Kevorian Barnes on his 75-yard touchdown against the Tar Heels.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2025
After making a 23-yard reception, Kelce could be seen making the gesture while running down the Philadelphia sideline.
—Jodi Guglielmi, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2025
After securing the ball, Mukuba took off running down the sideline.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2025
Kelly was running down the sideline to call a timeout after an LSU play in the second quarter.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025
California lawmakers are running down the clock to craft a deal to renew the state’s influential cap-and-trade climate policy.
—Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 10 Sep. 2025
The drop led to the Eagles getting the ball back and running down the clock to secure a tough first victory in their title defense.
—Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for running down
Verb
-
This disruption fueled a crisis in teacher turnover and burnout, with one survey finding that nearly a quarter of all teachers were considering leaving or retiring because of COVID-19 lockdowns.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
28 Sep. 2025
-
What matters is what works for individual couples and finding a balance between together and alone time.—
David Oliver,
USA Today,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Dills encourages parents to explore and research their options before dismissing Montessori education.—
Katrina Donham,
Parents,
23 Sep. 2025
-
Not too long ago, Western markets were subtly dismissing Chinese cars for coming off as bargain-basement alternatives.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Sachs has been a bridge player since age 12, learning the game from his parents.—
Jan Goldsmith,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Another example of a property-rich district is Anchorage, where far fewer students come from impoverished households, are learning to speak English as a second language or have other special education needs.—
Krista Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Keeping your hands free while solo and on the move enhances alertness by minimizing distractions and improves reaction time for unexpected situations.—
Kristy Alpert,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Sep. 2025
-
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,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
When Usagi is approached by Ryuji (Kento Kaku), an academic obsessed with discovering the secrets of the afterlife, she is lured back into Borderland by the chance to see her father one more time.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Health inspectors gave the Carmichael Mexican restaurant a yellow placard after discovering that the dispenser at the back prep sink didn’t have hand-washing soap.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Worldfor never talking down to me or being too afraid to address the hard things in life.—
Anna Earl,
Parents,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Boys Go to Jupiter captures an adolescent malaise without talking down to its teens — there is no preaching about real jobs, responsibilities, or five-year plans.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Football, it could be argued, is diminishing its worth by almost never taking a break and playing virtually year-round.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
New York Times,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Advertisement Risks of multivitamins Many of us grew up striving for 100% on every test, but overachieving with multivitamins comes with risk—diminishing their benefits or causing harmful side effects.—
Matt Fuchs,
Time,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Hamilton County Coroner's Office is seeking the public's help in locating family or friends of Gwennette Bailey-Johnson.—
Matthew Cupelli,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
23 Sep. 2025
-
Ryan Lake was last seen in Nashville on Thursday, with officials locating his vehicle on Saturday, the NPS said in a press release on Sunday.—
Megan Forrester,
ABC News,
22 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Running down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/running%20down. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share