Phrase guide

make way

intj · verb · 5 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

intj

Meaning 1

An instruction for someone to get out of the way, usually because the speaker is carrying something and needs a clear pathway.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: nautical, transport

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To make progress.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

Examples

  • He was starting to make his way in the world.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To progress through the water.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: nautical, transport

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To give place or step aside.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: give place, give way

Antonyms: none provided

5

verb

Meaning 5

get out of the way

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • make way for the President's motorcade

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: move

History

Etymology

Originally nautical.

Across languages

Translations

13 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Catalan: fer lloc — to give place or step aside
  • Ancient Greek: παραχωρέω (parakhōréō) — to give place or step aside
  • Italian: fare strada — to give place or step aside
  • Italian: fare passare — to give place or step aside
  • Italian: fare largo — to give place or step aside
  • Latin: dēcēdō — to give place or step aside
  • Polish: schodzić z drogi — to give place or step aside
  • Polish: zejść z drogi — to give place or step aside
  • Portuguese: abrir caminho — to give place or step aside
  • Spanish: abrirse camino — to give place or step aside
  • Spanish: abrir paso — to give place or step aside
  • Swedish: bana väg — to give place or step aside
  • Yiddish: אָפּראַמען דעם וועג (opramen dem veg) — to give place or step aside