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Dictionary-enhanced synonyms

Synonyms for “Go” — 11 Other Ways to Say It

To move or travel from one place to a different place; to depart or leave a location.

IPA: /ɡoʊ/Level: A1Register: neutralPart of speech: verb

Meanings of Go — Pick the Sense You Need

Go has 3 common meanings. The synonyms below are grouped by meaning so you can jump straight to the sense you need.

  1. Meaning #1 as a verb

    To move or travel from one place to a different place; to depart or leave a location.

  2. Meaning #2 as a verb

    To become or change into a different state, usually describing a transition.

  3. Meaning #3 as a verb

    To work correctly or function as intended without problems.

How to Pronounce Go

IPA: /ɡoʊ/ Stress: O

Pronounced like 'goh'; rhymes with 'know', 'slow', and 'show'.

Full pronunciation guide for go →

3 Synonyms for Go (Meaning #1 — as a verb)

These synonyms work when you use go as a verb. Meaning: To move or travel from one place to a different place; to depart or leave a location.

move

/muːv/
verb A1

To go from one place to another or to make something go.

Example: The cat moved slowly across the floor.

travel

/ˈtrævəl/
verb A1

Go on a journey to a different location for work or fun.

Example: I like to travel to new countries every year.

depart

/dɪˈpɑːrt/
verb B1

To go away from a place; to leave for another location.

Example: Our bus departs from the station at 8 a.m.

4 Synonyms for Go (Meaning #2 — as a verb)

These synonyms work when you use go as a verb. Meaning: To become or change into a different state, usually describing a transition.

become

/bɪˈkʌm/
verb A2

To change and start to be something different; to grow or develop into.

Example: He became a doctor after studying for years.

turn

/tɜːrn/
noun A1

When it is your time to do something, like in a game or line.

Example: It is your turn to play.

grow

/ɡroʊ/
verb A1

To become larger or develop naturally over time.

Example: Plants grow taller in the spring.

transform

/trænzˈfɔrm/
verb B1

Make something become completely different in how it looks or works.

Example: Technology transformed modern society.

4 Synonyms for Go (Meaning #3 — as a verb)

These synonyms work when you use go as a verb. Meaning: To work correctly or function as intended without problems.

work

/wɜːrk/
noun A1

The job you do and tasks you must complete.

Example: I have a lot of work to do today.

function

/ˈfʌŋkʃən/
verb B2

To do what something is made for; to work or operate correctly.

Example: The new system functions very well in our office.

operate

/ˈɑpəreɪt/
verb B1

To make something work or function; to use or run a machine or device.

Example: The new factory operates twenty-four hours a day.

run

/rʌn/
verb A1

To go fast using your legs, with brief moments where neither foot touches the ground.

Example: I run every morning before work.

Smart Synonyms for Go — When to Use Each

travel

when the journey is longer or more significant

leave

when emphasizing departure from a place rather than

Antonyms of Go — Opposite Words

How to Use Go and Its Synonyms in Sentences

  • I go to work every morning at eight o'clock. A1
  • Where are you going this afternoon? A1
  • They have gone to the store to buy groceries. A1
  • Things can go bad if you don't store them properly. A1
  • She went crazy when she heard the good news. A2

Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Go

What is another word for "go"?

Common synonyms for "go" include: move, travel, depart, become, turn.

What can I say instead of "go"?

Try one of these alternatives: move, travel, depart, become, turn. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.

Is "go" formal or informal?

"go" is generally used in neutral contexts.

When should I use "go" instead of "move"?

Use "go" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "move" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.

What are the antonyms of "go"?

Words with the opposite meaning of "go" include: stay, remain, come, break, fail.

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