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.
Ustel said the ferry faced adverse weather conditions and began taking in water just 15 minutes after departure. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 The series made that departure without sacrificing character depth – each member of the ensemble was given distinct motivation and a narrative arc, allowing audiences to build investment across the run. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026 The radical departure in DeRosa’s view of the race lies between and just under Renegade and Golden Tempo. — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 In a departure from the past, the strike was not a response to an American attack. — Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 29 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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