as in hijacker
someone who hides on a ship, airplane, etc., in order to travel without paying or being seen
A stowaway was discovered on the ship.
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Recent Examples of stowaway
Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026
The 2022 deal struck by Starmer’s predecessor, Rishi Sunak, involved sending migrants who arrive in the UK as stowaways or in boats to the East African country.
—Mike Corder, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2025
Over 77 percent of people who have tried to stow away on a plane have lost their lives, the Federal Aviation Administration previously said, per CNN.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stowaway
Noun
Traveler Melissa Oddie captured video of the furry stowaway, which the airport later shared on Facebook.
—Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026
The 2022 deal struck by Starmer’s predecessor, Rishi Sunak, involved sending migrants who arrive in the UK as stowaways or in boats to the East African country.
—Mike Corder, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
Use the containers to stow away your pet's grooming tools, medications, outerwear, costumes, or backup toys.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2025
Over 77 percent of people who have tried to stow away on a plane have lost their lives, the Federal Aviation Administration previously said, per CNN.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stowaway
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stowaway
Noun
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The hijacker was killed when Turkish commandos stormed the airliner and freed the 40 passengers and crew.—
Lorenzino Estrada,
AZCentral.com,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In one segment, when Kimmel and McNearney pick up a hitchhiking Olivia Rodrigo while taking the family to school, Jane shows off her personality, clasping her hands over her mouth in disbelief when Rodrigo enters the car, only to sing-along with the pop star on her way to school.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 May 2026
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In short, this step ensures the mission doesn't accidentally carry any hitchhiking microorganisms to Mars.—
Chelsea Gohd,
Space.com,
1 May 2026
Verb
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But Harris believes the end result is an ambitious attempt to thumb its nose at the patriarchy while allowing a story that addresses abuse, violence, and trauma to also be an incredibly fun time.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
16 May 2026
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Emin’s masterpiece thumbed its nose at a tradition of recumbent feminine flesh on tousled white sheets (think Titian’s Venus of Urbino, Manet’s Olympia, or any number of bosomy Lucian Freud nudes).—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Minnesota's Target Center turned into a political stage Saturday night as the Minnesota Lynx home opener against the Atlanta Dream was hijacked by a fan shouting anti-ICE sentiments.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
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Drivers in New York pay a $9 fee to drive into Manhattan to get mugged, have their cars hijacked, or both.—
Peter Lucas,
Boston Herald,
4 May 2026
Verb
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Not to mention every package that lands on your doorstep has traveled through the shipping supply chain, giving pests like cockroaches and grain beetles ample opportunities to hitch a ride.—
Kate Van Pelt,
The Spruce,
15 May 2026
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For the 34th time, SpaceX's Dragon cargo capsule will hitch a ride to orbit atop the company's 230-foot, two-stage Falcon 9 rocket, which will launch from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stowaway.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stowaway. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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