fanfare

noun

fan·​fare ˈfan-ˌfer How to pronounce fanfare (audio)
Synonyms of fanfarenext
1
: a short and lively sounding of trumpets
2
: a showy outward display

Examples of fanfare in a Sentence

The new jet was introduced with great fanfare.
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.
Instead, Parton and Dean exchanged vows in a small Baptist church with little fanfare. — Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026 When one of these massive jungle fish was found washed up dead in Florida’s Caloosahatchee River in the winter of 2021, news outlets around the country jumped on the story, bucking the trend of invasives creating little fanfare in Florida anymore. — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 26 Aug. 2026 Because of the secrecy that goes into making them, new Sacha Baron Cohen projects rarely come with much fanfare until the last possible minute. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 25 Aug. 2026 In 2018, two eaglets hatched in the nest; one of them, Stormy, survived winter storms and flew off to great fanfare. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fanfare

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fanfare was in 1605

Rhymes for fanfare

See All Rhymes for fanfare

Browse Nearby Words

fanfarade
fanfare
fanfaron
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

fanfare

noun
fan·​fare ˈfan-ˌfa(ə)r How to pronounce fanfare (audio)
-ˌfe(ə)r
: a short stirring tune played by trumpets

More from Merriam-Webster on fanfare

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for fanfare

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fanfare

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