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Definitions

run its course

VERB
clear up
Synonyms
STRONGEST
die down improve
WEAK
become fair become sunny blow over brighten die away lapse lift pick up
Antonyms
WEAK
complicate question worsen
VERB
fly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
flee glide pass race rush shoot speed
STRONG
barrel bolt breeze career dart dash elapse flit hasten hurry hustle roll scamper scoot sprint tear whiz zoom
WEAK
go like the wind make off slip away
Antonyms
STRONGEST
slow
STRONG
dally dawdle decelerate delay procrastinate wait walk
VERB
stop
Synonyms
STRONGEST
break cease close drop end halt hold kill pause put an end to quit stall stand stay
STRONG
conclude desist discontinue finish refrain scrub tarry terminate
WEAK
be over blow off break off call it a day cold turkey come to a standstill cool it cut out cut short draw up hang it up pull up quit cold shut down sign off wind up wrap up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
advance allow begin commence continue do go initiate release start
STRONG
carry on introduce restart
WEAK
encourage

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.

Dementia is a special illness, and it can take a long time to run its course.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 11, 2026

So this conflict has yet to run its course.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

He fears the strategy has run its course.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 31, 2025

The machinery of band life had run its course.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 11, 2025

I felt like a toddler whose tantrum was being allowed to run its course.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen