Synonyms for

Drifting

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

Definition

Moving slowly or aimlessly in a certain direction.

Synonyms & similar words

cast blow wander rove freewheel vagabond swan drift roam err float vagrant ramble roll range stray tramp aimless floating floating gliding coasting sliding fluttering wafting swaying sweeping swirling bobbing rolling moving travelling wandering roaming meandering rambling sauntering strolling drifting

Synonyms by register

Formal

wandering meandering vagabonding

Informal

cruising chilling hanging out bumming around

Literary

wafting roaming voyaging

Antonyms

anchored stationary fixed stable grounded secured

Common collocations

  • drifting snow
  • drifting apart
  • drifting off to sleep
  • drifting sand
  • drifting boat
  • drifting through life
  • drifting ice

Word family

noun drift
verb drift
adjective drifting

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.

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Example sentences

  1. The clouds are drifting across the sky.
  2. The boat was drifting away from the shore.
  3. The snow was drifting down from the sky.
  4. The leaves were drifting in the breeze.
  5. 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

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