1
as in flowed
to move or proceed smoothly and readily
the wind swept across the plain without respite
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in curved
to turn away from a straight line or course
from this point the mountain range sweeps to the northeast and extends into the next state
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 swept
On the third day of their search, as Bruce waded into the water holding a safety line, feeling for the man with his feet, swirling currents swept him away.
—
Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
In New Jersey, Democrats kept their lopsided margin in Trenton — a particular disappointment for Ciattarelli, whose strong 2021 campaign swept many powerful Democrats out of their seats.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Democrats also swept judicial races in Pennsylvania, and in California, Democratic voters passed a plan to redraw the state’s congressional districts in response to Republican redistricting in Texas.
—Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Still, Vegas had been a nemesis that had beaten Denver eight games in a row before the Broncos flipped that and swept in 2024.
—Greg Cote
november 5, Miami Herald, 5 Nov. 2025
Jojo’s fortunes took an unexpected turn when a devastating 2021 storm swept across the Maritime Alps, the mountain range dividing France and Italy.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025
Topline Democrats swept the major elections Tuesday, delivering a blow to billionaires who mostly funded Republican campaigns—particularly in New York City, where more than 26 billionaires donated to campaigns against Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.
—Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2025
On the opposite coast, Hurricane Melissa swept through Montego Bay, in Jamaica’s north.
—Avery Schmitz, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
Check with lifeguards before entering the ocean for possible hazards you may be swept into.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2025
Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
In New Jersey, Democrats kept their lopsided margin in Trenton — a particular disappointment for Ciattarelli, whose strong 2021 campaign swept many powerful Democrats out of their seats.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Democrats also swept judicial races in Pennsylvania, and in California, Democratic voters passed a plan to redraw the state’s congressional districts in response to Republican redistricting in Texas.
—Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Still, Vegas had been a nemesis that had beaten Denver eight games in a row before the Broncos flipped that and swept in 2024.
—Greg Cote
november 5, Miami Herald, 5 Nov. 2025
Jojo’s fortunes took an unexpected turn when a devastating 2021 storm swept across the Maritime Alps, the mountain range dividing France and Italy.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025
Topline Democrats swept the major elections Tuesday, delivering a blow to billionaires who mostly funded Republican campaigns—particularly in New York City, where more than 26 billionaires donated to campaigns against Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.
—Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2025
On the opposite coast, Hurricane Melissa swept through Montego Bay, in Jamaica’s north.
—Avery Schmitz, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
Check with lifeguards before entering the ocean for possible hazards you may be swept into.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swept
Verb
-
Tigelaar held court over the discussion that flowed over topics including the complexities behind the adaptation of books to TV series, from the unique perspectives of the authors and the TV/film writers tasked with bringing their stories to life.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Nashville and the surrounding areas were not expected to receive any snow, and yet reports flowed in of snowflakes around the city.—
Diana Leyva,
Nashville Tennessean,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
In car design, that meant a short roof that curved downward, for a sleek stylish look that did not preclude four doors.—
Mark Phelan,
Freep.com,
4 Nov. 2025
-
But by the early 19th century, some mathematicians had started exploring other kinds of geometric spaces — ones that aren’t flat but rather curved like a sphere or saddle.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Virginia was once a swing state but has drifted toward Democrats over the past few decades.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
-
But life has a way of lulling you into complacency, and over time my eyes drifted less frequently to the sky.—
Lizz Schumer,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Her accessories truly made the look, including a pair of crystal drop earrings, bowed stilettos, and a velvet bag, which perfectly matched Prince Harry’s velvety tux.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Other companies bowed to growing pressure; two of America’s professional sports teams rebranded.—
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The Osumi Strait transit also indicates that the Kaiyangxing sailed around three of Japan's four main islands—Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu—excluding Hokkaido.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
-
He was challenged by former Council Member Lisa Sanchez and Lynn Bradescu, but Hallyburton sailed to victory, garnering more than 70% of the vote.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The class of 2025 was rounded out by Salt-N-Pepa, Warren Zevon, Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, Carol Kaye and Lenny Waronker, honored in other categories.—
Brian McCollum,
Freep.com,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The major hubs of O'Hare, Atlanta, Denver and Dallas-Fort Worth rounded out the top five airports for cancellations, but those airports only lost around 3% of their flights.—
JOSH FUNK,
Arkansas Online,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
For the past few months, one vertical inch at a time, that machine glided up, down and across its gantry system to create the high-ceiling, single-story home before it.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Dressed in an eye-catching ensemble that perfectly highlighted her bold style, Eva glided down the runway, serving face and fierce attitude.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The conference comes at a time when the impacts of climate change have become increasingly clear — even as the issue has slipped down the immediate geopolitical agenda.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
10 Nov. 2025
-
With three rounds remaining this season, Ferrari has slipped to fourth in the standings, 36 points behind Mercedes and 4 points behind Red Bull.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Swept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swept. Accessed 21 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share