afar

1 of 2

adverb

ə-ˈfär How to pronounce afar (audio)
Synonyms of afarnext
: from, to, or at a great distance
roamed afar

afar

2 of 2

noun

: a great distance
saw him from afar

Synonyms of afar

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Noun

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Examples of afar in a Sentence

Noun the experienced birder was able to identify birds from afar
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.
Adverb
From the looks of things from afar, visiting Chicago is surely on my bucket list of places to go. — Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026 That telepathy, between head coach and assistant, should put Deschamps’ sporting mind at rest even from afar. — Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 26 June 2026
Noun
What has become of our beautiful-from-afar, but gross-up-close city? — Heather Knight, SFChronicle.com, 13 July 2019 In one stunning photo, the couple stands in front of a clearing, Jason staring afar, Ashley gazing at the camera. — Sean Rossman, USA TODAY, 17 May 2017 See All Example Sentences for afar

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

Middle English afer, aferre, reduced from on fer "at a distance" and of fer "from a distance" — more at far entry 1

Noun

derivative of afar entry 1

First Known Use

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of afar was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing afar

Rhymes for afar

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Browse Nearby Words

Afalou man
afar
afara
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Cite this Entry

“Afar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afar. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

afar

1 of 2 adverb
ə-ˈfär How to pronounce afar (audio)
: from, to, or at a great distance

afar

2 of 2 noun
: a great distance
a voice from afar

More from Merriam-Webster on afar

Nglish: Translation of afar for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about afar

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