RUNNING OFF Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

running off

verb

present participle of run off

as in ejecting

to drive or force out the dog often ran off cats and other animals that had intruded upon his owner's property

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in escaping

to get free from a dangerous or confining situation their rebellious daughter's run off because she was disciplined again

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in flying

to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening the mouse ran off as soon as it saw us

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 running off In the series, Cash plays Caleb Hodgekiss, an ex-con stepping in for the town’s injured Reverend with the intention of robbing worshippers and running off. — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026 Arredondo-Garcia then ran in front of a car and smashed the front end of the car with his body before running off. — Brandon Downs, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026 Surveillance video shows four masked men approaching a home before running off when they were confronted by the homeowner. — Abigail Velez, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026 Systems like Belgard’s permeable pavers allow rainwater to filter into the ground instead of running off, which helps manage stormwater and support a healthier landscape. — Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2026 Moments later, a fight broke out between the trio, and the suspect pulled a gun and fired three shots at his rivals before running off. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026 Backstage, Juice Robinson questions where David Finlay and Clark Connors are running off to before challenging them to a Double Chain Tag Team Match at Redemption. — Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 To keep water from running off, use a low and slow method such as a soaker hose or drip irrigation to allow the water to slowly sink into the roots for deep watering. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 19 July 2026 But so a modern car, like a Bronco, the powertrain’s running off electronics, right? — Joel Feder, The Drive, 1 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for running off

Verb

In 2023, a Marine Corps pilot died after ejecting from his jet near the base.

— Kerry Breen, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Based on witness statements, a jet ski allegedly struck a wake, ejecting the operator into the water, according to DEEP officials.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2026

Definition of ejecting

Verb

This is because the material that serves as the building blocks for planets is constantly escaping the swirling platters of gas and dust, or protoplanetary disks, that wrap around infant stars.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Fuller’s ideas are hard to summarize, but always seem to reach toward a utopian vision of escaping the drudgery of everyday life.

— Christopher Cox, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of escaping

Verb

William Roberson Anyone dismissing the Slingshot (in any form) on practicality grounds is missing the point by a light year or two - the Slingshot makes a Miata seem like a spacious minivan.

— William Roberson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
She was especially hurt that some of the people who criticized Cox most harshly, dismissing him as craven and disingenuous, were those who had the closest relationships with him.

— McKay Coppins, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of dismissing

Verb

Surveillance video from the Cedar Glenn complex showed Brunson, Newman, and another unnamed co-defendant jumping a fence, approaching a Chevrolet Suburban, and fleeing after being confronted by a witness.

— Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
Horrifying surveillance video circulating online shows people fleeing before the mudslide hits and a deluge crashes down on them.

— Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of fleeing

Verb

Achord is in the huddle every play before retreating to the sideline.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Skywatchers will not only see the moon change color, but also witness the sharp, curved edge of Earth’s shadow steadily advancing across — and later retreating from — the lunar surface.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of retreating

Verb

Rather than chasing virality and social media hits, Obeid advises restaurants to focus deeper on creating businesses that fulfill a need for the community around them.

— Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 30 Aug. 2026
For small business owners, partnering with mid-tier creators is likely a better bet than chasing celebrity endorsements.

— Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of chasing

Verb

Security camera footage shows the shocking moment flood water crashes through the Nepal-China border area, with people seen running away as the water appears to wipe out everything in its path.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
After nine consecutive losses against the Minnesota Lynx, the Valkyries finally broke through on Monday night in Minneapolis, setting the tone early and running away with the game late in the fourth quarter en route to a 80-66 win.

— Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026