Wander — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈwän-dər/ wan·der

Meaning & Definition of Wander

Wander (verb)

  1. to move about without a fixed course, aim, or goal
  2. to go idly about, ramble
  3. to follow a winding course, meander

Wander (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to move about from place to place aimlessly

    "we just went outside and wandered around until it was time to go"

    similar: bat, cruise, drift, float, gad (about), gallivant, kick around, knock (about), maunder, meander, mooch, ramble, range, roam, rove, traipse
    related: amble, saunter, stroll, dawdle, mope, hobo, tramp, vagabond, mill (about or around), straggle, stray

  2. to commit an offense

    "we have all wandered from the path of righteousness at least once in our lives"

    similar: err, fall, offend, sin, stray, transgress, trespass, break the law, fall from grace
    related: breach, break, infringe, violate, backslide, lapse, mess up
    near: forgive, justify, pardon, regret, repent, rue

Wander (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a relaxed journey on foot for exercise or pleasure

    "a wander through the woods"

    similar: amble, constitutional, perambulation, ramble, range, saunter, stroll, turn, walk
    related: parade, paseo, promenade, expedition, hike, march, peregrination, traipse, tramp, travel, traversal, traverse, trek, trip, walkabout, excursion, jaunt, junket, outing, sally, sashay, spin, tour, pilgrimage, progress, safari

Related Entry: Wander (into) (verb)

Wander (into) is a different word from Wander. The synonyms below are for wander (into), not for wander.

  1. as in stray (into)

    similar: stray (into), drop in, pop (in), crash, encroach, gate-crash, infiltrate, infringe, intrude, invade, trespass, barge (in), breeze (in), burst (in or into), waltz (in), access, enter, penetrate, pierce
    opposite: depart, exit, leave

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Wander

The most common words with a similar meaning to Wander:

bat, cruise, drift, float, gad (about), gallivant, kick around, knock (about), maunder, meander, mooch, ramble, range, roam, rove, traipse, err, fall, offend, sin, stray, transgress, trespass, break the law, fall from grace, amble, constitutional, perambulation, saunter, stroll, turn, walk

Related Words for Wander

dawdle, mope, hobo, tramp, vagabond, mill (about or around), straggle, breach, break, infringe, violate, backslide, lapse, mess up, parade, paseo, promenade, expedition, hike, march, peregrination, travel, traversal, traverse, trek, trip, walkabout, excursion, jaunt, junket

Near Antonyms of Wander

forgive, justify, pardon, regret, repent, rue

Word Forms of Wander

Inflections: wandered, wandering

Derived words: wander (noun), wanderer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Wander

Middle English wandren, from Old English wandrian; akin to Middle High German wandern to wander, Old English windan to wind, twist

First known use: before 12th centuryi

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Wander

Words & Phrases Containing Wander

go for a wander, have/take a wander

Frequently Asked Questions about Wander

What does "Wander" mean?

"Wander" means to move about without a fixed course, aim, or goal. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to move about without a fixed course, aim, or goal. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Wander"?

Other words for "Wander" include bat, cruise, drift, float, gad (about), gallivant, kick around and knock (about). The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Wander" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Wander"?

There are 70 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Wander". Common alternatives include bat, cruise, drift, float, gad (about), gallivant, kick around, knock (about), maunder and meander.

How do you use "Wander" in a sentence?

Examples of "Wander" in a sentence: "we just went outside and wandered around until it was time to go"; "we have all wandered from the path of righteousness at least once in our lives"; "a wander through the woods".

Is "Wander" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Wander" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Wander" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Wander" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Wander"?

"Wander" is pronounced /ˈwän-dər/ and divided into syllables as wan·der.

What is the origin of the word "Wander"?

"Wander" comes from Middle English wandren, from Old English wandrian; akin to Middle High German wandern to wander, Old English windan to wind, twist. First known use: before 12th centuryi.