ramble 1 of 2

ramble

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verb

1
as in to rattle
to talk at length without sticking to a topic or getting to a point the teenagers sat around the pizza parlor, rambling on about dating, homework, movies, and the local football team

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
as in to stroll
to travel by foot for exercise or pleasure we're planning to ramble all over the highland moors when we're in Dartmoor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb ramble contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ramble are meander, roam, rove, traipse, and wander. While all these words mean "to go about from place to place usually without a plan or definite purpose," ramble stresses carelessness and indifference to one's course or objective.

the speaker rambled on without ever coming to the point

When could meander be used to replace ramble?

In some situations, the words meander and ramble are roughly equivalent. However, meander implies a winding or intricate course suggestive of aimless or listless wandering.

the river meanders for miles through rich farmland

When might roam be a better fit than ramble?

While the synonyms roam and ramble are close in meaning, roam suggests wandering about freely and often far afield.

liked to roam through the woods

When is it sensible to use rove instead of ramble?

Although the words rove and ramble have much in common, rove suggests vigorous and sometimes purposeful roaming.

armed brigands roved over the countryside

When is traipse a more appropriate choice than ramble?

The words traipse and ramble are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, traipse implies a course that is erratic but may sometimes be purposeful.

traipsed all over town looking for the right dress

Where would wander be a reasonable alternative to ramble?

The synonyms wander and ramble are sometimes interchangeable, but wander implies an absence of or an indifference to a fixed course.

fond of wandering about the square just watching the people

Examples 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 ramble
Noun
Kennedy’s halting ramble from Democratic Party fringe player to fervent MAGA ally did not shock anyone who has watched him closely in recent years. James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024 Others are light-hearted or nostalgic rambles through a city's past. Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 15 Oct. 2024
Verb
Parmalee had posted photos, videos and comments about Bueckers on TikTok and other social media platforms and had emailed UConn officials since June with rambling comments including his desire to marry Bueckers, police said. Ryan Morik, Fox News, 19 Dec. 2024 Kaczynski had taunted officials with a rambling manifesto and was apprehended following one of the longest FBI manhunts in history. Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ramble 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ramble
Noun
  • But sensitive, fluent editing keeps these excursions germane to Matlin’s story, making this more than just a tribute to one bright, interesting woman.
    Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Jan. 2025
  • The ship started shorter excursions in Europe last year, and is in the early days of its first world cruise.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • And if your dishwasher rattles even on an empty load, this does indicate mechanical problems.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Jan. 2025
  • But when the topic turned to how his election could rattle the Hall’s Richter scale once his plaque hangs in that gallery in July, Suzuki couldn’t wrap his mind around that thought.
    Jayson Stark, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Only another party of two had wandered in during our meal.
    Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Throughout the day, visitors can wander between stages with live music from Celtic rock bands, witness dance competitions, see border collie demonstrations and learn about Scottish heritage while exploring clans.
    Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Indeed, Jokic strolled to the huddle expressionless after Aaron Gordon embraced him and Ball Arena erupted.
    Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Pick up permits to visit or camp in the state park, stroll through a 2-acre desert garden, explore an expansive interpretive exhibit that covers the history, geology, and culture of the surrounding area, or buy a souvenir in the gift shop.
    Pam LeBlanc, Southern Living, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • An eclectic cast, ranging from dancers in their 20s to their 50s, gels for a bouncy jaunt (pro forma in Estanich’s works), with each dancer having generous time and vocabulary for him or herself.
    Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
  • The night started with a statement drive by Los Angeles, which scored on a seven-play, 70-yard jaunt on the game’s first possession.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Success for the movement was simple to measure: treating individuals with colorblindness in all walks of life.
    Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Spend your days exploring the great outdoors on nature walks, blissed out at the spa on the property, or sampling entrees and desserts at the on-site restaurant–all within plain view of the Hudson river.
    Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • His dribbling ability helps him in tight spaces as well, or when roaming towards the wide areas (as can be seen below).
    The Athletic UK Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
  • With millions of animals roaming our planet, some are rarely spotted by people.
    Stories by Real-Time news team, with AI summarization, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The spot begins with Dre, 59, and Snoop, 53, dressed in tuxes, sauntering through an elegant nightclub as chic guests glance their way.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
  • As the stage lights came up in the Rogers Centre, Taylor Swift sauntered over to her guitar adding in a few slow motion swirls and twirls.
    Bryan West, USA TODAY, 16 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near ramble

Cite this Entry

“Ramble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ramble. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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