RUNNING OFF Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

running off

verb

present participle of run off

as in ejecting

to drive or force out the dog often ran off cats and other animals that had intruded upon his owner's property

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as in escaping

to get free from a dangerous or confining situation their rebellious daughter's run off because she was disciplined again

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as in flying

to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening the mouse ran off as soon as it saw us

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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 off The Strawther familiar to Denver is the free-swinging gunner, trailing the play in transition to hunt 3s or running off weak-side screens or waiting for the ball in the corner. — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 7 Oct. 2026 Images released by police showed one person ripping down the flag and then another person running off with the flag. — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026 Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian went viral following his team’s miraculous 24-23 comeback against Ohio State this past Saturday after running off from a postgame interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026 In the series, Cash plays Caleb Hodgekiss, an ex-con stepping in for the town’s injured Reverend with the intention of robbing worshippers and running off. — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026 Arredondo-Garcia then ran in front of a car and smashed the front end of the car with his body before running off. — Brandon Downs, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026 Surveillance video shows four masked men approaching a home before running off when they were confronted by the homeowner. — Abigail Velez, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026 Systems like Belgard’s permeable pavers allow rainwater to filter into the ground instead of running off, which helps manage stormwater and support a healthier landscape. — Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2026 Moments later, a fight broke out between the trio, and the suspect pulled a gun and fired three shots at his rivals before running off. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for running off

Verb

Unscrewing its top reveals a small pin that can be used for punching holes, ejecting a SIM card, or simply as a toothpick.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 6 Oct. 2026
The crash triggered an emergency response near Morro Bay, where the pilot was rescued after ejecting from the aircraft.

— Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of ejecting

Verb

And announcing a move is not the same thing as escaping the tax.

— Bilin Lin, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
The court found that the directive to fast to death was implemented by targeting children first, while guards were deployed to prevent them from escaping, beating those who attempted to escape or eat.

— Evelyne Musambi, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of escaping

Verb

Things get even more alarming when Eidra can’t reach Tom Libby and reports start rolling in that Vaughn is dismissing everyone in Trowbridge’s government who’d had a significant relationship with Kate and her team.

— Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
Citing 2026 laureate Navi Pillay—known for charging Israel with genocide and dismissing free speech—Schatz warns the award now rewards ideological insider posturing rather than genuine efforts to achieve international peace.

— Staff, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of dismissing

Verb

Instead of stopping to help Batani-Khalfani, police alleged that Cardenas continued driving, fleeing the scene of the hit-and-run crash.

— Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Hollywood jobs have been fleeing for years for cheaper filming locales, and the restaurant industry has been shaken by mounting closures.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of fleeing

Verb

The pope paused for a moment and waved to the crowd before retreating into his apartment in the Apostolic Palace.

— Colleen Barry, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
In a world riven by democratic backsliding and polluted with AI slop, there’s something seductive about the idea of retreating to a wild, unnavigable place where no one can follow you—because you’ll be submerged up to your eyeballs.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of retreating

Verb

Businesses that rediscover its values will gain what their velocity-chasing competitors cannot buy, borrow, or automate.

— Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
In January 2025, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch changed the department pursuit policy, barring cops from chasing after vehicles fleeing car stops unless a felony crime or a violent misdemeanor was committed.

— John Annese, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026