sauntering

USAGE SUMMARY

"sauntering" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a leisurely or relaxed walk. Example: She was sauntering through the park, enjoying the sunshine. Alternative expressions include "strolling" and "ambling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

IN THE wee hours of a recent morning a young man with a rucksack was sauntering along the railway line near Grossbeeren.

The Economist

"What if we win?" frets a fourth.The Republicans are so unpopular that any semi-competent opposition party should be sauntering to victory in the mid-term elections in November.

The Economist

"You can be the next Coppola here," says Mr Rosedale, as he watches one such film, in which a cowboy is just sauntering into a saloon and gun-slinging appears imminent.

The Economist

Ms Cortes withdrew, but her name remains on the ballots, which may confuse some voters.And so Mesans will choose between Mr Lewis, an avuncular amateur with mostly local donors, and Mr Pearce, a sauntering state bigwig with far-flung donors and national fame.

The Economist

While sauntering through the enchanted forest, you can pay a visit to the courageous Lion, king of the beasts, but be careful later as you come upon the fragile realm of the China Princess.

Britannica

Mexico After sauntering up to the Mexican border and declaring "the Hispanics love me", Trump took a few questions from reporters.

Independent

Ultimately, though, you may just find, as I did, that the best way to enjoy Panama City Beach is simply with your shoes off, sauntering from hotel to bar, bar to restaurant and restaurant back to hotel.

Independent

When I first encountered the word "promenader", I was excited by the idea of sauntering into a concert, looking around, and then sauntering out again.

Independent

The sight of the two shaggy-maned males strolling side by side down a dirt track, like a couple of mates sauntering back from the pub, made a lasting impression.

Independent

At the time of my visit they were more widely dispersed, but we still find good numbers browsing the tall grasses of a nearby "ecopark" and even meet one impressive tusker sauntering down the main road as we return to the lodge after dark.

Independent

With returns to bohemian Berlin starting at £169 per person, and longer distance flights available to Beirut from £699, you'll be sauntering out of the arrivals gate relaxed and ready to start your trip.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate the word in descriptive narrative writing to establish a character's relaxed mood without explicitly stating they are happy or calm.

Common error

Avoid using "sauntering" to describe someone who is simply walking slowly due to exhaustion or injury; the term implies a voluntary and often stylish lack of haste.

Linguistic Context

The term "sauntering" functions primarily as a present participle that modifies a noun or acts as part of a continuous verb phrase. In the extensive dataset provided by Ludwig, it frequently appears as an adverbial modifier describing the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig AI identifies it as a grammatically sound choice for adding descriptive depth to verbs of motion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Academic

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "sauntering" is an evocative and grammatically correct term that excels in descriptive writing. The data from Ludwig reveals that it is a favorite among high-tier publications like The New Yorker and The New York Times for its ability to convey a subject's mood and confidence through their physical gait. Unlike simpler alternatives like "walking", it provides a rich layer of imagery, suggesting a nonchalant and unhurried attitude. Whether used in a news report or a novel, Ludwig AI confirms that it remains a sophisticated choice for writers looking to add character to movement without sacrificing clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ambling

Suggests a slower, more relaxed and perhaps aimless pace.

strolling

Implies a pleasant, often social walk taken for enjoyment.

meandering

Focuses on a winding or indirect path rather than just the speed.

moseying

A more informal, regional term for moving in a leisurely way.

wandering

Emphasizes the lack of a fixed destination or purpose.

promenading

Carries a more formal or public connotation of walking to be seen.

perambulating

A much more formal, almost technical term for walking around.

drifting

Suggests a very slow, almost effortless or passive movement.

roaming

Implies movement over a wider or more open area without a plan.

pacing

Suggests a more rhythmic or sometimes anxious movement in a limited area.

FAQs

What is the difference between sauntering and ambling?

While both describe a slow pace, "sauntering" often carries a connotation of self-assurance or even swagger, whereas "ambling" is more neutral and simply suggests an easy, unhurried gait.

How do I use sauntering in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a character's entrance, such as "He came "sauntering into" the room as if he owned the place," highlighting their relaxed attitude.

What can I say instead of sauntering in a formal report?

In a more clinical or formal context, you might replace it with "walking leisurely" or "moving at a slow pace", as "sauntering" is more descriptive and literary.

Is sauntering synonymous with strutting?

No, "strutting" implies a much more arrogant and stiff movement, while "sauntering" is fluid, relaxed and calm.