meandered

verb

past tense of meander
as in wandered
to move about from place to place aimlessly theatergoers meandering around the lobby waiting for the play to start

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of meandered Rolling hills gave way to craggy cliffs, while the road meandered almost alarmingly close to the choppy sea. — Lucy Bruton, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Aug. 2026 Throngs of guests dined, shopped and meandered through the upscale mall over the weekend, bringing life to the shuttered complex that sat vacant for 19 months due to the devastating Palisades fire. — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026 Xander Bogaerts’ two-run homer in the fourth inning set both starting pitchers on a different course, one that meandered from there toward a 7-5 victory over the Guardians. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026 Little creeks meandered from lake to lake and through patches of lush grassy meadows and swamps, while the trail followed the higher ground covered with spruce. — Anton Money, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026 Following the attack, the wolf fled and meandered through the city until late that night, when it was located near Lake Binnenalster. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 31 Mar. 2026 As the afternoon sun beat down, several passers-by from out of town meandered by Guthrie's one-story brick house in the Catalina Foothills. — Helen Rummel, USA Today, 23 Feb. 2026 Several passersby from out of town meandered by Guthrie’s one-story brick house. — Helen Rummel, AZCentral.com, 22 Feb. 2026 Those who opted for online school meandered through the city. — Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 15 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meandered
  1. wandered
  2. roamed
  3. strolled
  4. drifted
Verb
  • Bears have wandered into people's homes across the United States in record numbers after a dry winter wiped out plants, grasses, berries and nuts that form around 90% of their diet, Reuters reported.
    — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Emde wandered ahead while King lagged behind at her usual tempo, which is uncommonly slow but projects incongruous urgency.
    — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of wandered
Verb
  • The singer roamed the space, which created an eternity out of glass, and captured the experience on camera.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Declan Rice and Saka played just over an hour each, Riccardo Calafiori roamed to his heart’s content, Tzolis was eager to make an impact.
    — Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of roamed
Verb
  • The couple strolled through Hampstead with their two dogs in tow.
    — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Just last week, Minnesota strolled into San Francisco, delivered a clinical beatdown and strutted off the floor like brash royalty, reminding the peasants of their place.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of strolled
Verb
  • As my mind drifted, the sound of a breeze, created by handheld fans, filled the room.
    — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Authorities said the driver drifted onto the right shoulder and attempted to return to the road.
    — Brandon Downs, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of drifted

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Cite this Entry

“Meandered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meandered. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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