graduation

noun

grad·​u·​a·​tion ˌgra-jə-ˈwā-shən How to pronounce graduation (audio)
Synonyms of graduationnext
1
: a mark on an instrument or vessel indicating degrees or quantity
also : these marks
2
a
: the award or acceptance of an academic degree or diploma
b
: commencement
3
: arrangement in degrees or ranks

Synonyms of graduation

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Examples of graduation in a Sentence

He joined the navy after graduation. We had a party to celebrate her graduation from high school. They took lots of pictures at their son's graduation.
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.
Rock wants to pursue a career in music upon graduation and is already anticipating the next Train tour. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026 There was even a graduation ceremony held for the performers who are making their festival debut. — Rashad Alexander august 31, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026 The exhibition was expected to trace his evolution from his 1984 Central Saint Martins graduation collection through his time at Givenchy and Christian Dior, as well as his eponymous label and later work at Maison Margiela. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 31 Aug. 2026 The share enrolling immediately after graduation has fallen from 70% to 62% over the past decade. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for graduation

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of graduation was in 1611

Rhymes for graduation

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Browse Nearby Words

graduateship
graduation
gradus
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Cite this Entry

“Graduation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graduation. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

graduation

noun
grad·​u·​a·​tion ˌgraj-ə-ˈwā-shən How to pronounce graduation (audio)
1
: a mark or the marks on an instrument or container indicating degrees or quantity
2
a
: an act or process of graduating
b
: the ceremony marking the completion by a student of a course of study at a school or college : commencement
3
: arrangement in degrees or ranks
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