Thesaurus results for ROVE

Q: How does the verb 'rove' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rove are meander , ramble , roam , traipse , and wander . While all these words mean "to go about from place to place usually without a plan or definite purpose," rove suggests vigorous and sometimes purposeful roaming. // armed brigands roved over the countryside

Q: When is 'meander' a more appropriate choice than 'rove'?

The words meander and rove are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, meander implies a winding or intricate course suggestive of aimless or listless wandering. // the river meanders for miles through rich farmland

Q: Where would 'ramble' be a reasonable alternative to 'rove'?

Although the words ramble and rove have much in common, ramble stresses carelessness and indifference to one's course or objective. // the speaker rambled on without ever coming to the point

Q: When would 'roam' be a good substitute for 'rove'?

The words roam and rove can be used in similar contexts, but roam suggests wandering about freely and often far afield. // liked to roam through the woods

Q: When might 'traipse' be a better fit than 'rove'?

The meanings of traipse and rove largely overlap; however, traipse implies a course that is erratic but may sometimes be purposeful. // traipsed all over town looking for the right dress

Q: In what contexts can 'wander' take the place of 'rove'?

While in some cases nearly identical to rove , wander implies an absence of or an indifference to a fixed course. // fond of wandering about the square just watching the people

rove

verb

ˈrōv

Definition of rove next

as in to roam

to move about from place to place aimlessly buffalo roving over the vast plains

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb rove contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rove are meander, ramble, roam, traipse, and wander. While all these words mean "to go about from place to place usually without a plan or definite purpose," rove suggests vigorous and sometimes purposeful roaming.

armed brigands roved over the countryside

When is meander a more appropriate choice than rove?

The words meander and rove are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, meander implies a winding or intricate course suggestive of aimless or listless wandering.

the river meanders for miles through rich farmland

Where would ramble be a reasonable alternative to rove?

Although the words ramble and rove have much in common, ramble stresses carelessness and indifference to one's course or objective.

the speaker rambled on without ever coming to the point

When would roam be a good substitute for rove?

The words roam and rove can be used in similar contexts, but roam suggests wandering about freely and often far afield.

liked to roam through the woods

When might traipse be a better fit than rove?

The meanings of traipse and rove largely overlap; however, traipse implies a course that is erratic but may sometimes be purposeful.

traipsed all over town looking for the right dress

In what contexts can wander take the place of rove?

While in some cases nearly identical to rove, 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 rove Meanwhile, a roving raw bar cart, sparkling under its own theatrical lighting, tempts diners with icy treasures like razor clams and shrimp cocktail. —

Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024 Along with the county locations, Makhija said Montgomery County also used the van as a satellite location that could rove wherever it was needed. —

Sarah D. Wire, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024 But Scott, who underwent a dramatic swing change under the direction of roving minor-league hitting instructor Ryan Ludwick, does not want to be known solely for defense in his second big-league stint. —

Katie Woo, The Athletic, 6 Aug. 2024 Outside of the grill, there’s a roving raw-bar cart from which diners can choose a plethora of oysters, razor clams, shrimp cocktail, caviar, and more. —

Tori Latham, Robb Report, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rove

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rove

Verb

Thomas’ ancestors historically roamed throughout the Southwest.

Cy Neff, USA TODAY, 25 Dec. 2024
The cayos—or keys—are plops of milky sand ringed by bright verdigris; the waters are roaming territory for squid, turtles, pelicans, and iguanas.

Lydia Bell, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Dec. 2024