Synonyms of zignext
1
a
: one of the sharp turns, angles, or alterations in a zigzag course
b
: one of the short straight lines or sections of a zigzag course at an angle to a zag
2
: a sharp alteration or change of direction (as in a process or policy)
… the quick zigs and zags of his international maneuverings.The New York Times

zig

2 of 2

verb

zigged; zigging

intransitive verb

: to execute a zig
usually contrasted with zag
zigs when others zag

Examples of zig in a Sentence

Verb the fox zigged to the right, and the hounds followed
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.
Noun
At the time, however, Bullock skipped an updo and wore her short hair pin straight with a subtle zig-zag part. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 27 Aug. 2026 The Ivorian’s ascent has been frighteningly quick, crashing his way through European football in a whirlwind of zig-zagging runs and emphatic finishes. David Ornstein, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Verb
But his resume looks oddly familiar to the guy who is doing just that in Bloomington, and one of these programs that is looking to zig while everyone else zags owes it to their fans to try something different. Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 This term connotes, among other things, the zig-zag method of running to evade bullets or the trajectory of a getaway driver wending through traffic. Niela Orr, Vulture, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for zig

Word History

Etymology

Noun

zigzag

First Known Use

Noun

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zig was in 1840

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Zig.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zig. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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