afoot
adverb or adjective
ə-ˈfu̇t 
1
: on foot
2
: in the process of development : underway
a plan is afoot to build a new school
Synonyms
- under way
- under weigh
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web But even as winemakers adapt, many consumers are unaware of the changes afoot or what makes for sustainable practices in the industry. 
Hollie Stephens, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2022 This useful article highlights changes afoot in state legislatures across New York, California, Florida, and many others. Aman Kidwai, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2022 Camps are regimented with multiple counting of inmates each day, security rounds to assure there are no misdeed afoot (drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana, talking on cell phones ... Walter Pavlo, Forbes, 7 June 2021 Below, our favorite pairs of the most delightful shoe trend afoot. Rachel Besser, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2021 But there were occasional contrasts afoot, as when a brass choir got all stately and academic when the headmaster, Dumbledore, offered wisdom or the plucky pizzicatos became light-hearted when reporter Rita Skeeter appeared. Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 25 Oct. 2019 Even Jean’s family and activists had been on guard for character attacks, at one point fuming that a smear campaign was afoot after police revealed early in the investigation that marijuana had been found in Jean’s apartment. Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2019 In hindsight, Facebook had quietly signaled that unification was afoot more than a year ago. New York Times, 12 Aug. 2019 Consolidation has been afoot more broadly in media. Joe Flint, WSJ, 17 Aug. 2017 See More
Hollie Stephens, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2022 This useful article highlights changes afoot in state legislatures across New York, California, Florida, and many others. Aman Kidwai, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2022 Camps are regimented with multiple counting of inmates each day, security rounds to assure there are no misdeed afoot (drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana, talking on cell phones ... Walter Pavlo, Forbes, 7 June 2021 Below, our favorite pairs of the most delightful shoe trend afoot. Rachel Besser, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2021 But there were occasional contrasts afoot, as when a brass choir got all stately and academic when the headmaster, Dumbledore, offered wisdom or the plucky pizzicatos became light-hearted when reporter Rita Skeeter appeared. Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 25 Oct. 2019 Even Jean’s family and activists had been on guard for character attacks, at one point fuming that a smear campaign was afoot after police revealed early in the investigation that marijuana had been found in Jean’s apartment. Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2019 In hindsight, Facebook had quietly signaled that unification was afoot more than a year ago. New York Times, 12 Aug. 2019 Consolidation has been afoot more broadly in media. Joe Flint, WSJ, 17 Aug. 2017 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English afoten, afote, from a- a- entry 1 + foten, dative plural & fote, dative singular of fot foot entry 1
First Known Use
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
afoot
adverb or adjective
ə-ˈfu̇t
1
: on foot
traveled afoot
2
: happening now : going on
We sensed that there was trouble afoot.
afoot 1 of 2
adjective
as in ongoing
being in progress or development plans are afoot for a new sports stadium in the city Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- ongoing
- proceeding
- operating
- going
- happening
- working
- continuing
- advancing
- functioning
- afloat
- alive
- gaining
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- halted
- stopped
- stalled
- arrested
- ended
- receding
- retrogressing
- regressing
afoot
2 of 2adverb
as in under way
in progress although the drug just got released, research for a more effective medication is already afoot Synonyms & Similar Words
- under way
- under weigh
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- delayed
- postponed
- suspended
- deferred