Vocabulary in context
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Meander
To wander about without a fixed direction; to follow a winding, indirect course.
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Imagine This
If I am under the influence of alcohol while driving, I will wander aimlessly on the freeway. This is extremely dangerous, remember this: If you drink, don’t drive!
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Sounds Like
mee-AN-der
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Looks Like
A winding path or a river bending back and forth
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Remember This
There are usually winding meanders in downhill mountain biking and downhill skiing. A meander is also a bend or curve in a river.
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Other Forms
meanderingadjective
meandernoun
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Connect With
wander, roam, ramble, drift; bend, curve, serpentine
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Note
Meander describes both literal wandering (a person’s path or a river’s course) and metaphorical wandering of thought. It contrasts with more direct movement (e.g., 'go straight') and is distinct from simply 'wandering' in a purposeful sense. In geography, a 'meander' is a bend in a river.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The river meanders through the valley, creating a series of gentle bends.
- After lunch, I let my thoughts meander, considering ideas I hadn't planned.
Synonyms
wanderroamrambledriftwind through
Antonyms
hastenrushstraighten
Etymology
From the proper name Meander (Maeander), a river in ancient Ionia (modern-day Turkey); from Greek Maiandros, meaning winding or winding river.
Mnemonic
MEANDER: Make Every Avenue Nonlinear, Drift Everywhere, Remembering the winding way.
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Entrench
verbTo establish or fortify a position, belief, or habit so that it becomes difficult to change; to surround or secure a position by digging trenches.
Intrinsic
adjectiveRelating to the inner nature; inborn; built-in; inherent.
Revolutionary
adjectiveRelating to or causing a radical, transformative change; introducing innovations that drastically alter a field or practice.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.
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