313 Another Word for Drift? - Drift Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say drift differently? Here are other words for drift and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.

Quick Access

Meaning of drift

The primary meaning of the word "drift" is to move slowly and steadily, often without a specific direction or purpose.

Etymology of drift

The word "drift" comes from the Old English word "drifan", which means "to drive", and is related to the Old Norse word "drifa", which means "to drive" or "to rush".
The word has been used in English since the 9th century, initially to describe the act of driving or moving something, and later to describe the movement of objects or people without a specific direction or purpose.

Synonyms

drift float glide slide slip stray wander roam meander flow stream current tide wave flux migration movement shift swing veer turn curve bend incline lean list tilt career sweep surge rush flowage circulation passage progress advancement regression retrogression recession ebb fluxion glissade slide slippage err deviate digress diverge deflect swerve sheer veer yaw shift change alter vary modify transform transmigrate transpose transfer convey carry bear transport move displace remove relocate resettle reposition restation move budge stir migrate transmigrate roam wander stray err ramble range prowl patrol travel journey tour trek voyage cruise sail navigate float drift glide slide slip career sweep surge rush flow stream tide wave.

Definitions

To move slowly and steadily, often without a specific direction or purpose
To be carried along by a current of water or air
To change or deviate from a course or direction
To move or become displaced, often slowly or gradually
To accumulate or be deposited, often in a layer or mass

Usage Examples

The boat began to drift away from the shore as the current picked up.
Her attention started to drift as the lecture went on.
The snow drifted against the fence, forming a large bank.
The company's profits have drifted downward over the past quarter.
The music drifted through the open window, filling the room with a soothing melody.

Antonyms

anchor moor secure fasten tie bind fix stabilize steady balance settle root ground plant lodge nest perch roost alight land dock berth harbor shelter protect shield guard defend oppose resist withstand counter fight struggle strive endeavor try attempt aim direct purpose intend mean plan plot scheme devise contrive design construct build create make form shape mold fashion forge cast found establish set fix determine decide resolve purpose direct guide lead conduct steer navigate pilot control command govern rule dominate master overcome conquer vanquish subdue suppress check curb restrain hinder obstruct block bar impede delay halt stop stay pause wait linger tarry loiter idle stagnate stand remain stay abide dwell reside inhabit live locate situate place position station post deploy dispose arrange order organize systematize methodize regulate adjust rectify correct amend reform improve enhance perfect consummate complete finish terminate end conclude close.