tread water

phrase

: to keep the body nearly upright in the water and the head above water by a treading motion of the feet usually aided by the hands

Examples of tread water in a Sentence

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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.
Florida State is treading water after back-to-back losing seasons. — Bob Ferrante, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026 The witness ran to the scene and saw the plane sinking nose-first with one person treading water. — Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 22 Aug. 2026 The actors had already been treading water for about a minute before filming began, making communication with the crew difficult. — Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 Washington Capitals Washington is trying to tread water, rebuilding on the fly after the old core has moved on. — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tread water

Rhymes for tread water

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Browse Nearby Words

tread the boards
tread water
treadway bridge
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Cite this Entry

“Tread water.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tread%20water. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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