afloat

adjective or adverb

ə-ˈflōt How to pronounce afloat (audio)
Synonyms of afloatnext
1
a
: borne on or as if on the water
b
: being at sea
2
: free of difficulties : self-sufficient
the inheritance kept them afloat for years
3
a
: circulating about
Silly rumors were afloat.
b
: adrift

Synonyms of afloat

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Examples of afloat in a Sentence

the boat can't stay afloat much longer
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Though now, the campus is shifting more digital to stay financially afloat and keep up with a changing educational landscape. — Lacey Beasley, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 At one point, Georgia O’Keeffe had to convince her own dealer, Edith Herbert, to buy some of Kusama’s work to keep her afloat. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026 After the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia made clear its intention to end its funding at the end of this season, the league has been looking for investment and solutions to remain afloat. — Brody Miller, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 In-app purchases to keep afloat Both apps are free to download but feature in-app purchases. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for afloat

Word History

Etymology

Middle English aflote, going back to Old English aflote, on flote, from a- a- entry 1, on on entry 1 + flote, dative of flot "deep water, sea" — more at float entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of afloat was before the 12th century

Rhymes for afloat

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Browse Nearby Words

aflicker
afloat
aflow
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Cite this Entry

“Afloat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afloat. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

afloat

adjective or adverb
ə-ˈflōt How to pronounce afloat (audio)
1
a
: carried on or as if on the water
b
: being at sea
2
: circulating about : rumored
there was a story afloat
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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