as in walking
to go on foot
to protect the fragile environment of the beach dunes, we must tread cautiously and lightly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 treading
Apparently, the man had been treading water for about 11 hours.
—
Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 30 May 2026
The actress — who is currently treading the boards as Connie Francis in the hit Broadway musical about crooner Bobby Darin's life, Just in Time — took to Instagram Stories over the weekend to call out audience members for shouting at her during performances.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026
But even the past shows signs of treading water, with the team returning to schoolgirl squabbles while their survival isn’t in immediate danger.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 May 2026
The season is not over, but the Phillies are treading in dangerous territory.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
An ocean away, a sandy trail in the ponderosa forests of northern Arizona demands treading just as deliberately when walkers reach a line of tree stumps arranged as stepping stones.
—ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026
California’s population has essentially been treading water since the pandemic.
—Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
The Kamloops, British Columbia, native has been a driving force behind DU’s resurgence after the Pioneers were treading water through the first half of the season.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
Georgia’s labor market is treading water, according to new data released Thursday by the state Department of Labor.
—Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 30 May 2026
The actress — who is currently treading the boards as Connie Francis in the hit Broadway musical about crooner Bobby Darin's life, Just in Time — took to Instagram Stories over the weekend to call out audience members for shouting at her during performances.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026
But even the past shows signs of treading water, with the team returning to schoolgirl squabbles while their survival isn’t in immediate danger.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 May 2026
The season is not over, but the Phillies are treading in dangerous territory.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
An ocean away, a sandy trail in the ponderosa forests of northern Arizona demands treading just as deliberately when walkers reach a line of tree stumps arranged as stepping stones.
—ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026
California’s population has essentially been treading water since the pandemic.
—Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
The Kamloops, British Columbia, native has been a driving force behind DU’s resurgence after the Pioneers were treading water through the first half of the season.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
Georgia’s labor market is treading water, according to new data released Thursday by the state Department of Labor.
—Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for treading
Verb
-
Designed to resemble a California Craftsman-style village, the property’s cliffside paths stay active throughout the day—couples walking hand in hand, families heading toward the beach, and dogs making their morning, afternoon, and sunset rounds.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 June 2026
-
Today, there is a visitor center nearby, along with miles of walking trails.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
Some yelp in pain after stepping barefoot on a peanut or toy.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
-
Khloe Kardashian was spotted stepping onto a boat near the Circuit de Monaco ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, and the unique heel style was on full display thanks to a side view of the shoe.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Treading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/treading. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
