thoroughfare

noun

thor·​ough·​fare ˈthər-ə-ˌfer How to pronounce thoroughfare (audio)
ˈthə-rə-
Synonyms of thoroughfarenext
1
: a way or place for passage: such as
a
: a street open at both ends
b
: a main road
2
a
: passage, transit
b
: the conditions necessary for passing through

Synonyms of thoroughfare

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Examples of thoroughfare in a Sentence

one of the city's main thoroughfares
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.
In squares and main thoroughfares, vendors were seen selling Egyptian flags, whistles and fan paraphernalia in preparation for the game. — ABC News, 7 July 2026 The pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare feels straight out of a storybook, lined with alpine-style storefronts, beer halls, bakeries, candy shops, boutiques, and cozy restaurants. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2026 Samaro, 25, was killed during an Israeli military raid on May 3 on a busy shopping thoroughfare in Nablus. — Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 26 June 2026 There was also a huge security perimeter, with major thoroughfares around MSG closed off to cars and pedestrians. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for thoroughfare

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Rhymes for thoroughfare

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Browse Nearby Words

thoroughbred
thoroughfare
thoroughfoot
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Cite this Entry

“Thoroughfare.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thoroughfare. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

thoroughfare

noun
thor·​ough·​fare ˈthər-ə-ˌfa(ə)r How to pronounce thoroughfare (audio)
ˈthə-rə-, 
-ˌfe(ə)r
1
: a street or road open at both ends
2
: a main road

More from Merriam-Webster on thoroughfare

Nglish: Translation of thoroughfare for Spanish Speakers

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