SWEPT Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

swept

verb

Definition of swept

past tense of sweep

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

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

straightened

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 Saturday's flash-flood event occurred after four rounds of rain swept across parts of the Grand Canyon over a span of about six hours, according to the National Weather Service. — Trevor Ault, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 The two victims whose remains were found after flash flooding swept through the Grand Canyon were seen photographed on the same trip prior to the deadly incident. — Greg Norman-Diamond, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Flash floods swept through some of the park’s most celebrated sites following an afternoon thunderstorm on Saturday, according to the National Park Service. — Michael Loria, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 The death toll from the catastrophic floods that swept through parts of Nepal and Tibet last week has risen beyond 1,000 people, while thousands of people remain missing. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2026 And all you Chicken Jockey popcorn-throwing troublemakers — your impact on moviedom has been swept from the theater. — Chris Lee, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026 The bodies of a Texas chiropractor and at least one other person have been found after a major weekend flash flood swept through the Grand Canyon, and forecasters warned more flooding was possible as heavy rain shrouded the canyon walls. — Jamie Stengle, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 The baby didn’t make it, and neither did the wife, who died a year later, a victim of the horrendous pandemic that swept the planet clean. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026 That changed in February 2026, when Bhumjaithai, a low-profile party previously known primarily for campaigning to legalize cannabis, swept into power in national elections. — Duncan McCargo, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for swept

Verb

The world went in, and pliant, playful interpretations flowed out.

— Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
The result was a slurry of melting ice, rock and water that quickly flowed into the river.

— Umesh Haritashya, The Conversation, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of flowed

Verb

Lizzie and O’Neil also drifted apart as the actress continued touring with her theater company.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Sep. 2026
The vehicle drifted to the right toward the shoulder, struck the woman and continued south on Franklin Boulevard, according to the CHP.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of drifted

Verb

As taiko accompanied the demonstration, Kawashita bowed, dipped the oversized brush and swept it across the paper in deliberate, fluid movements before completing the work with her signature in red.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
When the judge was discussing whether assassination photos could be published by the media, his parents and Erika Kirk bowed their heads, looking solemn.

— KC Baker, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of bowed

Verb

The runner on third scored, but the runner on second, Dazzy Vance, rounded third and stopped, unsure if the ball had been caught.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
As Guerrero rounded the bases and returned to the plate Wednesday, chants broke out in the crowd.

— Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of rounded

Verb

The pinkish squid glided two miles beneath the surface, its long, pale legs trailing from undulating fins, stunning scientists who know remarkably little about its diet, behavior or reproduction.

— Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Merino glided away from challenges to keep Arsenal in control.

— Thom Harris, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of glided

Verb

Zscaler — The cloud security company's stock slipped nearly 2% despite its earnings beat.

— Michelle Fox, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026
The Office Romance star slipped on a stack of Fope’s gold mesh bracelets, topping off her ensemble with a Chanel handbag and Cartier earrings from the jeweler’s signature Panthère collection.

— Hannah Malach, InStyle, 3 Sep. 2026