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 short, this step ensures the mission doesn't accidentally carry any hitchhiking microorganisms to Mars.—
Chelsea Gohd,
Space.com,
1 May 2026
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Weeds can come back if the entire root system isn’t killed, and new seeds can sprout later thanks to wind, bird droppings, animal fur, and even hitchhiking in on your shoes and pants.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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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
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Unfortunately, that’s the only real recourse the public has with a Congress that still gleefully thumbs its nose at the laws and rules that apply to others.—
Douglas MacKinnon,
Washington Post,
1 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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On Court And On Brand As with any rising star in tennis, Fonseca attracted companies and agencies who wanted to hitch a ride on his soaring stardom.—
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2026
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Fleas will plague you and your animals with itchy bites, then hitch a ride indoors to infest your home.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stowaway.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stowaway. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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