Synonyms for

Afloat

Verb / ʌˈfləʊt / Another word for afloat — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

floating or staying on the surface of water or other liquid; not sinking

Synonyms & similar words

aimless flooded rudderless overflowing awash aground directionless planless inundated adrift undirected buoyant drifting floating hovering levitating riding skimming suspended swimming unsubmerged upholding uplifted upward waterborne waterlogged

Synonyms by register

Formal

buoyant floating unsubmerged

Informal

on the water not sinking staying up

Literary

waterborne wave-borne

Antonyms

sinking submerged drowning underwater sunken foundering

Common collocations

  • stay afloat
  • keep afloat
  • financially afloat
  • barely afloat
  • set afloat
  • drifted afloat
  • ship afloat
  • boat afloat

Word family

adjective afloat
adverb afloat

Usage note

Primarily used to describe something that is floating on water. Can also be used metaphorically to describe a financial or operational state of being able to survive or continue.

Example sentences

  1. The rubber duck floated afloat in the bathtub.
  2. The life jackets kept the sailors afloat in the rough sea.
  3. The log remained afloat on the river.
  4. The swan glided afloat on the pond.
  5. The toy boat sailed afloat on the lake.

Quotes

  • I am afloat on a sea of love.
  • A society afloat on credit is like a ship on a stormy sea without compass or anchor.
  • It's not about keeping your head afloat, it's about learning to swim.

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