List of 426 Sets of Synonyms - How they Differ - Total of 2307 Words - 418

SYNONYMS: wander, ramble, roam, rove, range, meander, stray, gallivant, gad.
These verbs mean to move about at random or without destination or purpose.

Wander and ramble stress the absence of a fixed course or goal: She wandered into the room. An old man's wit may wander. They would go off together, rambling along the river.
Roam and rove emphasize freedom of movement, often over a wide area: Herds of horses and cattle roamed at will over the plain. For ten long years I roved about, living first in one capital, then another.
Range suggests wandering in all directions: There was a large hunting party known to be ranging the prairie. The talk ranged over literary and publishing matters.
Meander suggests leisurely, sometimes aimless wandering over an irregular or winding course: He meandered to and fro over the hills.
Stray refers to deviation from a proper course: He gave strict directions not to allow any of the men to stray. I am straying from the question.
Gallivant refers to wandering about in search of pleasure: The students gallivanted all over New York City during the class trip.
Gad suggests restless, pointless wandering : My parents wanted me to stop gadding about unaccompanied in foreign cities.