running
1 of 3noun
run·ning ˈrə-niŋ 
1
a
: the action of running
b
: race entry 2
2
: physical condition for running
3
: management, care
running
2 of 3adjective
1
: cursive, flowing
2
: fluid, runny
3
a
: incessant, continuous
a running battle
b
: made during the course of a process or activity
a running commentary on the game
4
: measured in a straight line
cost of lumber per running foot
5
a
: initiated or performed while running or with a running start
a running catch
a running jump
b
: of, relating to, or being a football play in which the ball is advanced by running rather than by passing
their running game was off
c
: designed for use by runners
a running track
running shoes
6
: fitted or trained for running rather than walking, trotting, or jumping
a running horse
running
3 of 3adverb
: in succession : consecutively
three days running
Synonyms
Noun
- administration
- care
- charge
- conduct
- control
- direction
- governance
- government
- guidance
- handling
- intendance
- management
- operation
- oversight
- presidency
- regulation
- stewardship
- superintendence
- superintendency
- supervision
Adjective
- active
- alive
- functional
- functioning
- going
- live
- living
- on
- operating
- operational
- operative
- working
Adverb
- back-to-back
- consecutively
- hand running [dialect]
- sequentially
- seriatim
- successionally
- successively
- together
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Noun He took up running for exercise. They go running every evening. Adjective Never add fuel to a running engine. The farmer had a running battle with pests and disease. The major television stations provided running commentaries on the election results. She kept a running total of their expenses on the trip. Adverb He has won the competition three times running. he won the championship five times running See More
Recent Examples on the Web
oregonlive, 17 Sep. 2022 Run game proves itself Although Miami could not pass the ball much in their loss, Jaylan Knighton and Henry Parrish Jr. showed the Hurricanes’ running game is legit. Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 17 Sep. 2022 Everyone can talk about the defense and the running game, but ultimately BYU goes as Jaren Hall does. Kevin Reynolds, The Salt Lake Tribune, 17 Sep. 2022 Combining a stout defense with a powerful running game, Fallbrook High stunned defending two-time league champion Ramona with a 24-7 victory Friday night in the Valley League opener for both teams. Rick Hoff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2022 Although only two games into the season, the UAB running game is currently ranked 20th in the nation (236.0 ypg) and powered by two backs capable of carrying the load themselves if requested. Evan Dudley, al, 16 Sep. 2022 Lions win on the strength of their rush, offensive line and running game. Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2022 After the Ravens took a commanding lead in the third quarter, Macdonald could worry less about stopping the Jets’ running game and devote more resources to stopping quarterback Joe Flacco. Jonas Shaffer, Baltimore Sun, 14 Sep. 2022 Williams Field's running game, led by Dylan Lee, was strong in the second quarter, scoring on two long touchdown runs of 80 and 81 yards, respectively, to take a 28-7 lead. Azcentral Sports, The Arizona Republic, 9 Sep. 2022 Charlie Goldsmith, The Enquirer, 8 Sep. 2022 While the offensive line did so well in the passing game, the running game didn't look as good. Jeremy Cluff, The Arizona Republic, 7 Sep. 2022 The backup receivers played well in the season-opener, but having a reliable running game will be imperative for two top-15 opponents. Kevin Reynolds, The Salt Lake Tribune, 4 Sep. 2022 The Beavers are going to try in that area, but the running game will remain the offense’s strength. oregonlive, 2 Sep. 2022 The Huskies tried to run, but except for an 83-yard touchdown run by Carter on a quarterback draw, the running game was nonexistent. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2022 Sorry, but there’s going to be a learning curve with first-year coach Mike McDaniel and his offense, mostly because there are concerns about the offensive line, pass protection, and the running game. Kenny Rosarion, Sun Sentinel, 1 Sep. 2022 He is limited in a sense because the Ravens have to establish a strong running game and control the tempo to win. Mike Preston, Baltimore Sun, 1 Sep. 2022 Montgomery is entering the final year of his rookie contract and will be relied on to establish a punishing running game that opens play-action opportunities. Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2022 See More
Noun
Look for the Beavers to get their potent running game going, and Chance Nolan to fine tune things through the air. oregonlive, 17 Sep. 2022 Run game proves itself Although Miami could not pass the ball much in their loss, Jaylan Knighton and Henry Parrish Jr. showed the Hurricanes’ running game is legit. Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 17 Sep. 2022 Everyone can talk about the defense and the running game, but ultimately BYU goes as Jaren Hall does. Kevin Reynolds, The Salt Lake Tribune, 17 Sep. 2022 Combining a stout defense with a powerful running game, Fallbrook High stunned defending two-time league champion Ramona with a 24-7 victory Friday night in the Valley League opener for both teams. Rick Hoff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2022 Although only two games into the season, the UAB running game is currently ranked 20th in the nation (236.0 ypg) and powered by two backs capable of carrying the load themselves if requested. Evan Dudley, al, 16 Sep. 2022 Lions win on the strength of their rush, offensive line and running game. Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2022 After the Ravens took a commanding lead in the third quarter, Macdonald could worry less about stopping the Jets’ running game and devote more resources to stopping quarterback Joe Flacco. Jonas Shaffer, Baltimore Sun, 14 Sep. 2022 Williams Field's running game, led by Dylan Lee, was strong in the second quarter, scoring on two long touchdown runs of 80 and 81 yards, respectively, to take a 28-7 lead. Azcentral Sports, The Arizona Republic, 9 Sep. 2022 Adjective
Each game, there’s a different pre-snap routine for the Bengals’ defensive players to identify where the tight ends are lined up and what that could mean for the running game. Charlie Goldsmith, The Enquirer, 8 Sep. 2022 While the offensive line did so well in the passing game, the running game didn't look as good. Jeremy Cluff, The Arizona Republic, 7 Sep. 2022 The backup receivers played well in the season-opener, but having a reliable running game will be imperative for two top-15 opponents. Kevin Reynolds, The Salt Lake Tribune, 4 Sep. 2022 The Beavers are going to try in that area, but the running game will remain the offense’s strength. oregonlive, 2 Sep. 2022 The Huskies tried to run, but except for an 83-yard touchdown run by Carter on a quarterback draw, the running game was nonexistent. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2022 Sorry, but there’s going to be a learning curve with first-year coach Mike McDaniel and his offense, mostly because there are concerns about the offensive line, pass protection, and the running game. Kenny Rosarion, Sun Sentinel, 1 Sep. 2022 He is limited in a sense because the Ravens have to establish a strong running game and control the tempo to win. Mike Preston, Baltimore Sun, 1 Sep. 2022 Montgomery is entering the final year of his rookie contract and will be relied on to establish a punishing running game that opens play-action opportunities. Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Adjective
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Adverb
1719, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing running
running 1 of 4
adjective
1
as in operating
being in effective operation the car has been running for almost an entire day Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- operating
- operational
- going
- operative
- working
- functioning
- on
- active
- in force
- live
- on line
- living
- in commission
- functional
- operable
- alive
- producing
- performing
- serving
- in gear
- into commission
- viable
- humming
- effective
- flourishing
- yielding
- usable
- roaring
- busy
- effectual
- thriving
- useful
- useable
- bustling
- employable
- productive
- workable
- dynamic
- astir
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- broken
- dead
- inactive
- inoperative
- nonfunctioning
- useless
- nonoperative
- ineffective
- idle
- kaput
- nonoperational
- nonactivated
- arrested
- ineffectual
- nonoperating
- deactivated
- decommissioned
- unusable
- dormant
- kaputt
- fallow
- nonfunctional
- asleep
- inoperable
- unworkable
- quiescent
- inert
- unproductive
- latent
- sleepy
- lifeless
- stagnating
- nonproductive
- vegetating
2
as in continuous
going on and on without any interruptions a running struggle just to make ends meet Synonyms & Similar Words
- continuous
- continued
- continuing
- nonstop
- continual
- uninterrupted
- incessant
- constant
- unremitting
- unbroken
- perpetual
- unceasing
- persistent
- ceaseless
- endless
- permanent
- steady
- unending
- interminable
- lasting
- enduring
- eternal
- immortal
- everlasting
- stable
- undying
- deathless
- durable
- unchanging
- unvarying
- changeless
- indestructible
- imperishable
- dateless
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- periodic
- intermittent
- alternate
- recurrent
- discontinuous
- serial
- periodical
- seasonal
- occasional
- recurring
- cyclic
- rhythmic
- cyclical
- alternating
- noncontinuous
- rhythmical
- sporadic
- erratic
- spotty
- spasmodic
- irregular
- unsteady
- fitful
running
2 of 4noun
as in management
the act or activity of looking after and making decisions about something left the running of the corporation to his subordinates Synonyms & Similar Words
- management
- handling
- operation
- administration
- control
- supervision
- direction
- government
- stewardship
- oversight
- governance
- presidency
- conduct
- charge
- leadership
- regulation
- guidance
- care
- superintendence
- intendance
- superintendency
- keeping
- custody
- protection
- agency
- engineering
- lap
- logistics
- manipulation
- ward
- rulership
- trust
- generalship
- guardianship
- safekeeping
- tutelage
- aegis
- codirection
- coadministration
- machination
- egis
- comanagement
running
3 of 4adverb
as in together
in succession without others coming in between he won the championship five times running Synonyms & Similar Words
- together
- successively
- repeatedly
- continuously
- constantly
- hand running
- on end
- consecutively
- continually
- sequentially
- serially
- successionally
- back-to-back
- seriatim
- uninterruptedly
- subsequently
- unceasingly
- continuingly
- night and day
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- intermittently
- discontinuously
- interruptedly
running
4 of 4verb
1
as in jogging
to go at a pace faster than a walk we ran all the way to the bus stop, but still missed the bus Synonyms & Similar Words
- jogging
- trotting
- sprinting
- racing
- skipping
- galloping
- rushing
- speeding
- hurrying
- leaping
- scampering
- tripping
- dashing
- zipping
- scurrying
- scooting
- hustling
- bounding
- springing
- loping
- shagging
- tearing
- haring
- blazing
- blasting
- bowling
- scuttling
- ripping
- hurling
- barreling
- humping
- bustling
- buzzing
- coursing
- blowing
- zooming
- hurtling
- ramming
- careening
- breezing
- rocketing
- jetting
- hying
- cantering
- whirling
- shooting
- bolting
- whisking
- hastening
- pelting
- belting
- rustling
- cannonballing
- barrelling
- bombing
- nipping
- pattering
- hieing
- hotfooting (it)
- legging (it)
- stepping (along)
- hoofing (it)
- footing (it)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- strolling
- shuffling
- dragging
- sauntering
- crawling
- lagging
- ambling
- lingering
- creeping
- poking
- shambling
- dawdling
- trudging
- loitering
- hobbling
- limping
- plodding
- lumbering
- dallying
- tarrying
- dillydallying
2
as in flying
to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening rather than run from a black bear, it's better to hold your ground and make lots of noise Synonyms & Similar Words
- flying
- fleeing
- retreating
- bolting
- escaping
- breaking
- skedaddling
- running off
- running away
- beating a retreat
- beating it
- bugging out
- turning tail
- scramming
- making tracks
- lamming
- skirring
- getting out
- absconding
- decamping
- making off
- eloping
- clearing out
- scarpering
- lighting out
- scatting
- hightailing (it)
- mizzling
- getting (away)
- skipping (out)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- confronting
- facing
- remaining
- daring
- braving
- staying
- defying
- lingering
- hanging around
- dwelling
- bearding
- abiding
- sticking around
- tarrying
3
as in leading
to be positioned along a certain course or in a certain direction the road runs along the river for a while Synonyms & Similar Words
- leading
- going
- extending
- lying
- heading
- crossing
- passing
- cutting
- bearing
- traversing
- spanning
- following
- coursing
4
as in ranging
to occur within a continuous range of variation the electric bill runs between 30 and 50 dollars a month Synonyms & Similar Words
- ranging
- varying
- going
- moving
- alternating
- reaching
- changing
- shifting
- stretching
- extending
- fluctuating
- sweeping
- mutating
5
as in flowing
to move in a stream water running down the window Synonyms & Similar Words
- flowing
- pouring
- streaming
- rolling
- dripping
- rushing
- racing
- issuing
- flooding
- springing
- emanating
- rippling
- flushing
- arising
- coursing
- trickling
- spurting
- gushing
- spouting
- inundating
- overrunning
- effusing
- swamping
- engulfing
- dribbling
- cascading
- disemboguing
- overflowing
- riffling
- fountaining
- deluging
- guttering
- sheeting
- washing out
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- setting
- backing up
- hardening
- clotting
- coagulating
- gelling
- congealing
6
as in racing
to proceed or move quickly run and get the nurse Synonyms & Similar Words
- racing
- traveling
- trotting
- rushing
- speeding
- driving
- hurrying
- jumping
- flying
- scurrying
- chasing
- zipping
- travelling
- stepping
- scooting
- jogging
- buzzing
- darting
- scuttling
- blowing
- blasting
- tearing
- ripping
- dashing
- hustling
- bowling
- blazing
- zooming
- ramming
- haring
- shooting
- hurling
- barreling
- whirling
- bolting
- humping
- bundling
- galloping
- bustling
- coursing
- breezing
- careering
- careening
- hurtling
- motoring
- rocketing
- hying
- jetting
- whisking
- rustling
- sprinting
- pelting
- nipping
- hastening
- belting
- barrelling
- cannonballing
- highballing
- bombing
- scampering
- beating it
- flitting
- hieing
- streaking
- whizzing
- accelerating
- getting a move on
- scudding
- making tracks
- shaking a leg
- scuffling
- stepping on it
- stampeding
- cracking (on)
- outrunning
- beetling
- hotfooting (it)
- overtaking
- outpacing
- stepping out
- quickening
- outstripping
- arrowing
- beelining
- catching up
- fast-forwarding
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- crawling
- creeping
- dragging
- poking
- lingering
- lagging
- poking
- strolling
- hanging (around or out)
- shuffling
- dawdling
- loitering
- sauntering
- ambling
- plodding
- lumbering
- dallying
- decelerating
- dillydallying
- tarrying
- slowing (down or up)
7
as in leaning
to show a liking or proneness (for something) unfortunately, members of his family run to fatness Synonyms & Similar Words
- leaning
- tending
- going
- trending
- inclining
- pointing
- indicating
- gravitating
- suggesting
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- avoiding
- shunning
- shying (from or away from)
8
as in driving
to urge, push, or force onward they ran the horses hard in order to get to the ranch quickly Synonyms & Similar Words
- driving
- punching
- herding
- shepherding
- whipping
- wrangling
- spurring
- exhorting
- prodding
- flogging
- pressing
- prompting
- hounding
- egging
- goading
- pricking
- scourging
9
as in using
to control the mechanical operation of I know how to run that machine Synonyms & Similar Words
- operating
- using
- handling
- working
- driving
- manipulating
- controlling
- wielding
- steering
- maneuvering
- guiding
- plying
- directing
- piloting
- commanding
10
as in getting
to eventually have as a state or quality the poor woman ran herself ragged trying to care for all those children Synonyms & Similar Words
- getting
- becoming
- going
- growing
- coming
- turning
- changing
- transforming
- modifying
- altering
- waxing
- metamorphosing
- mutating
- transmuting
- transfiguring
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- being
- remaining
- continuing
- staying
- lingering
- abiding
11
as in melting
to go from a solid to a liquid state her makeup started to run when she got in the pool Synonyms & Similar Words
- melting
- thawing
- trying
- fluxing
- liquefying
- fusing
- softening
- liquifying
- dissolving
- smelting
- founding
- rendering
- deliquescing
- thinning
- guttering
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- setting
- solidifying
- hardening
- thickening
- coagulating
- gelling
- congealing
- clotting
- jelling
- jellying
12
as in managing
to look after and make decisions about learning to run the family business Synonyms & Similar Words
- operating
- managing
- supervising
- controlling
- overseeing
- conducting
- handling
- regulating
- governing
- keeping
- administering
- administrating
- guiding
- protecting
- directing
- tending
- superintending
- stewarding
- carrying on
- watching over
- steering
- leading
- watching
- overlooking
- presiding (over)
- piloting
- guarding
- safeguarding
- micromanaging
- minding
- codirecting
- comanaging
- co-managing
- stage-managing
- co-directing
- caring (for)
13
as in activating
to cause to function in olden days mills were run by flowing water Synonyms & Similar Words
- activating
- triggering
- driving
- sparking
- powering
- moving
- generating
- starting
- fueling
- pushing
- fuelling
- igniting
- setting off
- touching off
- launching
- provoking
- firing
- actuating
- charging
- turning on
- switching
- electrifying
- tripping
- energizing
- cranking (up)
- accelerating
- releasing
- stimulating
- recharging
- reactivating
- kicking over
- discharging
- turning over
- inciting
- kick-starting
- instigating
- jump-starting
- stirring up
- exciting
- stepping up
- catalyzing
- quickening
- arousing
- vitalizing
- speeding (up)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- cutting
- killing
- checking
- stopping
- sticking
- stalling
- turning off
- deactivating
- jamming
- halting
- braking
- shutting off
- arresting
- slowing
- suppressing
- cutting out
- decelerating
- repressing
- cutting off
- stunting
- drawing up
14
as in costing
to have a price of that sort of computer runs at least several hundred dollars Synonyms & Similar Words
- costing
- fetching
- bringing
- selling (for)
- going (for)
- totaling
- demanding
- asking
- totalling
- exacting
- commanding
- coming (to)
- amounting (to)
- listing (for)
15
as in traveling
to come or be together as friends he's been running with a bad crowd lately Synonyms & Similar Words
- traveling
- travelling
- connecting
- mixing
- collaborating
- associating
- mingling
- joining
- bonding
- relating
- befriending
- cooperating
- chumming
- consociating
- hobnobbing
- sorting
- consorting
- fraternizing
- tying
- being friends with
- linking
- teaming
- hooking up
- rallying
- messing around
- affiliating
- socializing
- rubbing shoulders (with)
- rubbing elbows (with)
- taking up with
- attaching
- tieing
- clubbing
- coupling
- grouping
- companying
- leaguing
- allying
- keeping company (with)
- getting along
- colluding
- knotting
- siding
- interrelating
- hanging (around or out)
- ganging
- palling (around)
- friending
- falling in with
- getting on
- confederating
- wedding
- banding
- conjoining
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- avoiding
- shunning
- snubbing
- alienating
- splitting
- dispersing
- splitting (up)
- estranging
- disbanding
- breaking up
- dissociating
- cold-shouldering
- divorcing
- severing
- disjoining
- sundering
- disuniting
16
as in chasing
to go after or on the track of if that dog continues to run cars, he's going to get seriously hurt Synonyms & Similar Words
- chasing
- tracking
- pursuing
- escorting
- trailing
- tailing
- tracing
- following
- dogging
- accompanying
- running after
- coursing
- hounding
- shadowing
- tagging
- bird-dogging
- watching
- hunting
- seeking
- chaperoning
- eyeing
- eying
- observing
- searching (for)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- leading
- guiding
- heading
- piloting