Synonyms for
Drifting
Definition
Moving slowly or aimlessly in a certain direction.
Synonyms & similar words
roam
stray
float
range
cast
drift
blow
err
vagabond
floating
roll
rove
tramp
ramble
wander
beadrift
swan
vagrant
freewheel
aimless
floating
gliding
coasting
sliding
fluttering
wafting
swaying
sweeping
swirling
bobbing
rolling
moving
travelling
wandering
roaming
meandering
rambling
sauntering
strolling
drifting
Synonyms by register
Formal
Informal
Antonyms
Common collocations
- drifting snow
- drifting apart
- drifting off to sleep
- drifting sand
- drifting boat
- drifting through life
- drifting ice
Word family
Usage note
The word 'drifting' often implies a lack of control or direction. It can be used literally for movement on water or air, or figuratively for a mental state or life path.
Compare "drifting" with another word →
Example sentences
- The clouds are drifting across the sky.
- The boat was drifting away from the shore.
- The snow was drifting down from the sky.
- The leaves were drifting in the breeze.
- He was just drifting through life with no real goals.
Quotes
"We are all drifting reefwards now, and faith is our only anchor." - Bram Stoker
"I like to think of thoughts as living blossoms borne by the human tree." - James Douglas
"The ships hung in the sky in much the same way that bricks don't." - Douglas Adams