The term 'PASSES, IN A WAY' can be solved by the crossword solutions DIES (4 letters), LAPS (4 letters) and DRIVESBY (8 letters). DIES is a verb meaning to cease living, while LAPS is a verb meaning to move around something in circles. DRIVESBY is a noun referring to the act of driving past a place quickly. All three words can be used to describe passing in some way, either literally or figuratively.