underway

1 of 2

adjective

un·​der·​way ˌən-dər-ˈwā How to pronounce underway (audio)
Synonyms of underwaynext
: occurring, performed, or used while traveling or in motion
underway replenishment of fuel

underway

2 of 2

adverb

variants or less commonly under way
1
: in motion : not at anchor or aground
The ship was underway at dawn.
2
: into motion from a standstill
The train should be underway again soon.
3
: in progress : happening now
Preparations for the celebration are already underway.
A search is underway.
The season got underway with a bang.

Synonyms of underway

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Adverb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of underway in a Sentence

Adverb construction of the new shopping mall is under way
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
She was saved and the search for Carbullido then got underway. — Jeff Nguyen, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 And trial is currently underway in another case brought by Tennessee’s attorney general alleging that Meta knowingly harmed young people’s mental health. — Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
Adverb
The company has more than 100 full-scale remodels underway, with a goal of reaching 130 this year, Fiddelke said Tuesday. — Anne D'innocenzio, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026 For example, with negotiations for the TV rights to the Primetime Emmys telecast underway, it probably should be bundled with the Daytime (and other) Emmys as a package deal. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underway

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

probably from Dutch onderweg, from Middle Dutch onderwegen, literally, under or among the ways

First Known Use

Adjective

1743, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1720, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underway was in 1720

Rhymes for underway

See All Rhymes for underway

Browse Nearby Words

underwater
underway
underwear
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underway. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

under way

adverb
1
: in or into motion
a ship getting under way
2
: in progress
preparations are under way

More from Merriam-Webster on underway

Nglish: Translation of underway for Spanish Speakers

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