Synonyms for

Hovering

Verb / ˈhʌvɜ:ɪŋ / / ˈhʌvrɪŋ / Another word for hovering — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Hovering means to remain in one place in the air, usually by moving the wings quickly or by means of a helicopter or other aircraft.

Synonyms & similar words

loom vacillate bulklarge levitate oscillate brood vibrate linger hover floating drifting levitating gliding suspended flying winging flapping fluttering beating wafting soaring hovercrafting aircrafting elevating ascending rising uplifting buoying

Synonyms by register

Formal

loitering lingering poised suspended

Informal

hanging around sticking around chilling waiting

Literary

wavering flitting drifting

Antonyms

descending landing settling grounded alighting dropping

Common collocations

  • hovering over
  • hovering near
  • hovering in place
  • hovering around
  • hovering uncertainly
  • hovering motion
  • hovering drone

Word family

noun hover
verb hover
adjective hovering
adverb hoveringly

Usage note

Often used to describe something suspended in the air, but can also refer to lingering or hesitating. Be mindful of context to avoid ambiguity.

Example sentences

  1. The bird was hovering over its nest.
  2. The helicopter was hovering above the city.
  3. The drone was hovering in the air, taking pictures.
  4. The bee was hovering over the flower.
  5. The kite was hovering in the sky.

Quotes

  • Time flies over us, but leaves its shadow behind. The shadow is sometimes sweet and sometimes bitter, but it is always hovering over us.
  • I was hovering like a fly, waiting for the windshield on the freeway to smack me in the face.
  • The future is hovering over us, is rushing at us with the speed of a meteor.

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