departed

1 of 2

adjective

de·​part·​ed di-ˈpär-təd How to pronounce departed (audio)
dē-
Synonyms of departednext
1
literary : bygone
departed days
2
: having died especially recently
mourning our departed friend

departed

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of depart

Synonyms of departed

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Adjective

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Choose the Right Synonym for departed

dead, defunct, deceased, departed, late mean devoid of life.

dead applies literally to what is deprived of vital force but is used figuratively of anything that has lost any attribute (such as energy, activity, radiance) suggesting life.

a dead, listless performance

defunct stresses cessation of active existence or operation.

a defunct television series

deceased, departed, and late apply to persons who have died recently.

deceased is the preferred term in legal use.

the estate of the deceased

departed is used usually as a euphemism.

our departed sister

late is used especially with reference to a person in a specific relation or status.

the company's late president

Examples of departed in a Sentence

Adjective a few crumbling ruins are all that remain of that departed civilization
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Judaism approaches these moments with deep sensitivity, offering guidance not to judge or criticize, but to bring dignity, comfort, and peace—to the soul of the departed and to those left behind. — Rabbi Moishe Kievman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for departed

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Phrases Containing departed

Rhymes for departed

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Cite this Entry

“Departed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/departed. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

departed

adjective
de·​part·​ed
1
: bygone
departed days
2
: no longer living
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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