MIGRATORY Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

migratory

adjective

ˈmī-grə-ˌtȯr-ē

Definition of migratory

as in migrant

having a way of life that involves moving from one region to another typically on a seasonal basis most of the apple crop is picked by migratory workers migratory birds heading south for the winter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of migratory Scientists have also long known that migratory birds and animals such as sea turtles can sense this field and use it to navigate. — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 25 Sep. 2026 Since 1980, roughly half of migratory shorebird species’ populations have declined by more than fifty per cent. — Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026 Environmentalists say the dam is the last remaining barrier to migratory fish on the Naugatuck River, blocking access to over 32 river miles of spawning habitat. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 14 Sep. 2026 Dubay said losing migratory stopover sites only adds to the stress on bird populations. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for migratory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for migratory

migrant

Adjective

The son of migrant parents, Treviño recalled working in the fields of the United States before establishing his music career.

— Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 21 Oct. 2026
The drama follows Adrian, an undocumented Mexican migrant worker in San Diego, who is finally reunited with his six-year-old daughter after a year-long custody battle.

— Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of migrant

Browse Nearby Words

migrators

migratory

mikado

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Migratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/migratory. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of migratory

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes