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.
The partnership between two outsiders clawing their way in, joined by an equally canny journalist played by Claire Foy, comes to shape Fleet Street, the London thoroughfare where scribblers plied their trade, in Lamb’s and Murdoch’s images. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 Kitchens were structured for high throughput and delivery vehicles lined up on the other side of the building to take finished meals and speed them along critical thoroughfares for timely and low-cost delivery. — George C. Lee Ii, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 Named after Blythe Street — a short thoroughfare flanked by overcrowded apartments — the crew had robbed, stole, peddled drugs and shot up rivals since the 1980s, seemingly untroubled by the city of Los Angeles’ attempts to defeat it. — Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Not bad for a story which begins with a waiter crossing a busy Los Angeles thoroughfare, and placing some Japanese-Peruvian fusion fare in a lift. — Nick Scott, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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