ZIGZAG Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

zigzag 1 of 2

verb

Definition of zigzag

as in to weave

to move suddenly aside or to and fro the fleeing car zigzagged down the highway at breakneck speed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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zigzag

2 of 2

adjective

as in curved

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Dissimilar Words

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 zigzag

Verb

Intimidatingly cool teenagers zigzagged through the crowd on BMX bikes. — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 29 July 2026 Strobe lights zigzag across the room and confetti rains down as Ruffin blasts a smoke cannon into the roaring crowd. — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 27 July 2026

Adjective

Any number of odd, zigzag examples can be used to make the case that legislative districts in Wisconsin are excessively gerrymandered. — Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 17 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for zigzag

Recent Examples of Synonyms for zigzag

Verb

This film weaves that footage with new images of his exile, a poetic documentary essay that refuses the urgency of breaking news.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
Colman’s upcoming Wicker film, in which her fisherwoman character asks Peter Dinklage’s basketmaker to weave her a husband, garnered buzz after the trailer — teasing Alexander Skarsgård’s straw transformation — was released at the end of July.

— Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of weave

Adjective

Around this time, Earth's curved inner shadow will appear to creep across the lunar surface while leaving a thin crescent exposed to direct sunlight at the point of maximum eclipse.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 22 Aug. 2026
The Nike Pegasus Plus 2 caters to speedy training with a sole unit featuring a curved Air Zoom and ZoomX foam.

— Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of curved

Adjective

The sleek nearby kitchen has a long, sinuous island and a casual dining spot, and the secondary kitchen reinforces the house’s ability to support hospitality on a grand scale while remaining a comfortable place to live.

— Mark David, Robb Report, 11 Aug. 2026
Several symbolic scenes, similarly unfolding in sinuous long takes—a ritualistic repetition of local habits at the junk yard, a formal dance of non-seduction at a luncheonette with a jukebox—lay bare the town’s ingrained and unyielding mores.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of sinuous

Adjective

The larvae feed on the tree through winter, carving serpentine tunnels that ultimately interfere with the tree’s ability to feed itself.

— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026
But, for 2026 anyway, the conference has improved what had been a serpentine system.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026

Definition of serpentine

Adjective

Derby fixtures — meetings between teams brought together by geographical proximity and driven apart by rivalry — have their own twisted tempo and warped logic.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Some have described this play as biting political theater and others as a suspense thriller or a twisted rom-com.

— Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of twisted

Adjective

In one of the darkest days in Tour history, British rider Tom Simpson died after collapsing during a tortuous ascent in 1967.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
Marshall’s reelection campaign could draw national attention as Republicans gear up for a potentially tortuous midterm election cycle amid a bitter fight for seats in Congress.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of tortuous

Adjective

Every floor and room is dedicated to specific watch brands and timepieces, featuring bespoke details like watch-hand door handles and winding-crown faucet handles, all crafted by Florentine artisans.

— Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
As such, the show takes you on a winding journey of France’s influential craftsmanship and its impact on America via archival looks, dazzling objects, and more modern creations.

— Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 29 May 2026

Definition of winding

Browse Nearby Words

zigs

zigzag

zigzagged

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Style

“Zigzag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zigzag. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of zigzag

verb

adjective

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