Pass-by synonym words like go past, move along, and walk beyond describe the act of moving near or beyond something without stopping. For example, “We watched the parade go past,” or “Cars move along this road all day.”
If you’re writing or speaking about movement, observation, or moments that slip away, each word shows a different shade of action—from casual motion to deliberate avoidance.
In this guide, you’ll learn the meaning and example sentences for each pass-by synonym, so you can describe movement, transition, or fleeting moments with clarity and style.
What Does “Pass-By” Mean?
The phrase “pass by” means to move past something or someone without stopping, to go beyond a point, or to let time or an opportunity slip away.
Examples:
- “We watched the train pass by from the bridge.”
- “Don’t let the chance pass by without trying.”
“Pass-by” combines physical movement with the idea of transience — something seen briefly before it’s gone. It can describe motion, missed chances, or the flow of time.
Synonyms of Pass-By with Meanings, Examples, and Usage Tips
1. Go Past
Meaning: To move beyond a certain point or place.
Example: The children watched the buses go past the school.
When to Use: Neutral, everyday synonym for movement or observation.
2. Move Along
Meaning: To continue traveling or progressing forward.
Example: The crowd was asked to move along after the event.
When to Use: Common in directions or commands.
3. Walk Past
Meaning: To walk near or beyond something or someone.
Example: She walked past the café without noticing him.
When to Use: Describes personal, casual movement.
4. Glide By
Meaning: To move smoothly and quietly past.
Example: The swans glided by on the calm lake.
When to Use: Use for graceful, poetic descriptions.
5. Drive By
Meaning: To travel past a place in a vehicle.
Example: We drove by the old house last weekend.
When to Use: Everyday travel or nostalgic tone.
6. Cruise Past
Meaning: To move past smoothly and effortlessly.
Example: The car cruised past the finish line.
When to Use: Informal; fits smooth or confident motion.
7. Pass Over
Meaning: To go above or across something.
Example: The airplane passed over the mountains.
When to Use: Formal or descriptive writing.
8. Slip By
Meaning: To move quietly or unnoticed.
Example: She slipped by the guards without being seen.
When to Use: Expresses subtle or secret movement.
9. Roll By
Meaning: To move past steadily, often describing vehicles or time.
Example: The days roll by faster than we realize.
When to Use: Poetic, reflective, or nostalgic tone.
10. Sweep By
Meaning: To move past quickly and impressively.
Example: The wind swept by, carrying the scent of rain.
When to Use: Descriptive, elegant, and atmospheric.
11. Zoom Past
Meaning: To move past very quickly.
Example: The race cars zoomed past the spectators.
When to Use: Energetic or action-based writing.
12. Rush By
Meaning: To move rapidly past, often with urgency.
Example: The ambulance rushed by with its siren blaring.
When to Use: Suitable for fast-paced contexts.
13. Sail By
Meaning: To move past smoothly like a boat.
Example: The boat sailed by the harbor at sunset.
When to Use: Poetic, calm, or scenic imagery.
14. Fade Away
Meaning: To disappear slowly or move out of sight.
Example: The lights faded away as we drove further.
When to Use: Emotional or time-based transitions.
15. Drift By
Meaning: To move slowly and lazily past.
Example: The clouds drifted by against a blue sky.
When to Use: Calm, peaceful, or reflective tone.
16. Flow Past
Meaning: To move continuously past, like water or time.
Example: The river flowed past the village quietly.
When to Use: Nature or time imagery.
17. Slip Away
Meaning: To move away quietly or leave unnoticed.
Example: He slipped away before anyone noticed.
When to Use: Soft, emotional, or discreet contexts.
18. Bypass
Meaning: To go around something instead of through it.
Example: The new road bypasses the crowded city center.
When to Use: Technical or geographical descriptions.
19. Stroll Past
Meaning: To walk past in a relaxed way.
Example: They strolled past the park holding hands.
When to Use: Calm, romantic, or everyday scenes.
20. March Past
Meaning: To walk past in an organized or ceremonial way.
Example: The soldiers marched past the flag.
When to Use: Formal or disciplined movement.
21. Fly Past
Meaning: To move past swiftly through the air.
Example: The bird flew past our window.
When to Use: Natural or action-based descriptions.
22. Hasten By
Meaning: To pass quickly, often in reference to time.
Example: The weeks hastened by before the exams.
When to Use: Literary, poetic, or reflective tone.
23. Whiz Past
Meaning: To move past at high speed with a sound.
Example: The cyclist whizzed past us in seconds.
When to Use: Energetic or vivid action scenes.
24. Slip Past
Meaning: To move past something without drawing attention.
Example: She managed to slip past the crowd unseen.
When to Use: Stealthy or cautious actions.
25. Speed By
Meaning: To go past rapidly.
Example: The car sped by in a flash.
When to Use: Action or travel contexts.
26. Drift Past
Meaning: To move gently past, usually by air or water.
Example: The leaves drifted past the open window.
When to Use: Calm, serene descriptions.
27. Move Beyond
Meaning: To progress past a point or stage.
Example: It’s time to move beyond old mistakes.
When to Use: Abstract, emotional, or growth-related writing.
28. Cross Over
Meaning: To pass from one side to another.
Example: The hikers crossed over the bridge.
When to Use: Literal or metaphorical transitions.
29. Travel Past
Meaning: To move beyond a particular place while journeying.
Example: We traveled past the ancient ruins at dawn.
When to Use: Travel writing or descriptive narratives.
30. Elapse
Meaning: To pass (of time) smoothly or gradually.
Example: Hours elapsed as they talked through the night.
When to Use: Formal, time-related contexts.
Choosing the Right Synonym for “Pass-By”
Selecting the right synonym depends on your tone and context:
| Tone / Context | Best Synonyms |
|---|---|
| Everyday / Neutral | Go Past, Move Along, Walk Past |
| Poetic / Reflective | Drift By, Flow Past, Fade Away |
| Fast or Energetic | Zoom Past, Rush By, Whiz Past |
| Emotional / Symbolic | Slip Away, Move Beyond, Elapse |
| Travel or Nature-Based | Sail By, Glide By, Travel Past, Flow Past |
Cultural Tip
In literature and daily speech, “pass by” often expresses not just physical motion but the passing of moments, memories, or chances.
Phrases like “time passed by” or “don’t let it pass you by” carry emotional depth — reminding us that opportunities and moments are fleeting.
Use vivid alternatives like “drift by” or “fade away” to create atmosphere, and stronger verbs like “rush by” or “zoom past” for action scenes.
Conclusion
Understanding the synonyms of pass-by helps you describe every type of motion — from gentle drifting to rapid movement. Each word, whether go past, drift by, or move beyond, captures not only direction but emotion.
By choosing the right synonym, you set your tone — poetic, dynamic, or reflective — while bringing your writing to life. These expressions remind us that moments, like travelers, always move forward… sometimes slowly, sometimes in a blur.
