Skip to content

Dictionary-enhanced synonyms

Synonyms for “Fall” — 10 Other Ways to Say It

To move down toward the ground, usually by accident.

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

Meanings of Fall — Pick the Sense You Need

Fall has 4 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 down toward the ground, usually by accident.

  2. Meaning #2 as a noun

    When someone or something drops suddenly from a higher place to a lower one.

  3. Meaning #3 as a noun

    The time of year when it gets cooler, leaves turn red and gold, and trees lose their leaves.

  4. Meaning #4 as a verb

    When something becomes less in number or drops in price.

How to Pronounce Fall

IPA: /fɔːl/ Stress: O

Rhymes with 'call' and 'wall'. The 'al' sounds like 'aw'.

Full pronunciation guide for fall →

4 Synonyms for Fall (Meaning #1 — as a verb)

These synonyms work when you use fall as a verb. Meaning: To move down toward the ground, usually by accident.

drop

/drɒp/
verb A1

To release something so it falls to the ground or a lower place.

Example: I accidentally dropped my phone on the floor.

plunge

/plʌndʒ/
verb C1

Jump or move down quickly into water or into a new situation with decisiveness.

Example: He plunged into the pool without hesitation.

3 Synonyms for Fall (Meaning #2 — as a noun)

These synonyms work when you use fall as a noun. Meaning: When someone or something drops suddenly from a higher place to a lower one.

drop

/drɒp/
verb A1

To release something so it falls to the ground or a lower place.

Example: I accidentally dropped my phone on the floor.

3 Synonyms for Fall (Meaning #3 — as a noun)

These synonyms work when you use fall as a noun. Meaning: The time of year when it gets cooler, leaves turn red and gold, and trees lose their leaves.

4 Synonyms for Fall (Meaning #4 — as a verb)

These synonyms work when you use fall as a verb. Meaning: When something becomes less in number or drops in price.

decrease

/dɪˈkriːs/
verb B1

To make something lower or smaller in amount or quantity.

Example: The store decreased prices after the holiday sale ended.

drop

/drɒp/
verb A1

To release something so it falls to the ground or a lower place.

Example: I accidentally dropped my phone on the floor.

decline

/dɪˈklaɪn/
verb B2

To say 'no' politely to something offered. Or to gradually get worse, smaller, or weaker over time.

Example: She politely declined the job offer because she preferred to continue her studies.

plunge

/plʌndʒ/
verb C1

Jump or move down quickly into water or into a new situation with decisiveness.

Example: He plunged into the pool without hesitation.

Smart Synonyms for Fall — When to Use Each

drop

for objects falling straight down due to gravity

tumble

for falling with loss of balance or rolling

Antonyms of Fall — Opposite Words

How to Use Fall and Its Synonyms in Sentences

  • I will fall if I do not hold the railing. A1
  • Be careful not to fall on the icy sidewalk. A1
  • Leaves fall from the trees in autumn. A2
  • He had a bad fall from his bicycle. A1
  • The child fell and had a minor fall on the playground. A2

Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Fall

What is another word for "fall"?

Common synonyms for "fall" include: drop, descend, tumble, plunge, descent.

What can I say instead of "fall"?

Try one of these alternatives: drop, descend, tumble, plunge, descent. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.

Is "fall" formal or informal?

"fall" is generally used in neutral contexts.

When should I use "fall" instead of "drop"?

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

What are the antonyms of "fall"?

Words with the opposite meaning of "fall" include: rise, climb, soar, spring, increase.

Explore “Fall” in Other Tools