on the lam

ADJECTIVE

fugitive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

elusive

STRONG

brief ephemeral flying passing short temporary volatile wandering

WEAK

avoiding errant erratic escaping evading evanescent fleeting flitting fugacious impermanent momentary moving short-lived transitory unstable

Antonyms

STRONG

enduring lasting lengthy long permanent

WEAK

confronting facing

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Monkeys on the lam in St. Louis and AI isn’t helping.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 15, 2026

As a child, Caleb resisted being taken into Federation custody, instead going on the lam.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 14, 2026

The suspected leaker is believed to be a Chinese national who has moved back to China and is now on the lam, South Korean officials say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 16, 2025

They went on the lam to Chicago, Florida, and Arizona, and points in between.

From Slate • Dec. 18, 2024

These are other painters, on the lam from irate landlords or between odd jobs.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood