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.
Two years later, Wong became one of the key leaders of the city’s Umbrella Movement protests that rallied thousands of predominantly young people to the streets to call for greater democracy by blocking major thoroughfares for 79 straight days. — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026 That December, in response to the discovery, a plan was presented to move the small-dog park and shift Atlantic Boulevard, a main thoroughfare along the coast, north so the entire gravesite could be unified into a green space. — Oliver Wu, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2026 Southwest Trafficway reopened Tuesday after a portion of the left south lane of the thoroughfare caved in nearly a week ago. — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 1 Sep. 2026 New restaurants and retail shops in the development, besides more residents, would also increase congestion on an already major north-south thoroughfare, according to those opposed to the project. — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 30 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 4 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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