departure

noun

de·​par·​ture di-ˈpär-chər How to pronounce departure (audio)
Synonyms of departurenext
1
a(1)
: the act or an instance of departing
(2)
archaic : death
b
: a setting out (as on a new course)
2
: a new or different way of doing something : divergence sense 2
a departure from tradition

Synonyms of departure

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Examples of departure in a Sentence

What is your time of departure? You should plan to arrive at the airport an hour before departure. a schedule of arrivals and departures The departures of several key employees have caused problems for the company. her sudden departure from the company The team has struggled since the departure of its head coach. His previous movies have all been comedies, so this dramatic role is a real departure for him.
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.
After agreeing to a buyout with the Mavericks in August before joining the Heat this past offseason, Thompson played against the Mavericks for the first time on Monday since his departure. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026 Counties where richer arrivals or the departure of lower earners drove the improvement were set aside. — Amy L. Wong, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026 The ceremony also marked the return of Japanese industry veteran Takeo Hisamatsu as festival director, following the departure of former chairman Hiroyasu Ando earlier this year. — Gavin Blair, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026 An agent must distinguish these situations, recognize when service begins and identify departures before service. — Maria Zhang, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for departure

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of departure was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing departure

Rhymes for departure

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Browse Nearby Words

depart this life
departure
departure/arrival time
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Cite this Entry

“Departure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/departure. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

departure

noun
de·​par·​ture di-ˈpär-chər How to pronounce departure (audio)
1
: the act of going away
2
: a setting out (as on a new course)
3
: a change from a usual course or standard
a departure from tradition

Legal Definition

departure

noun
de·​par·​ture
: a failure to follow : a deviation from a course or standard
an upward departure from the sentencing guidelines
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