Synonym Chooser

How does the verb depart contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of depart are deviate, digress, diverge, swerve, and veer. While all these words mean "to turn aside from a straight course," depart suggests a deviation from a traditional or conventional course or type.

occasionally departs from his own guidelines

Where would deviate be a reasonable alternative to depart?

The synonyms deviate and depart are sometimes interchangeable, but deviate implies a turning from a customary or prescribed course.

never deviated from her daily routine

When could digress be used to replace depart?

While the synonyms digress and depart are close in meaning, digress applies to a departing from the subject of one's discourse.

a professor prone to digress

How do diverge and depart relate to one another?

Diverge may equal depart but usually suggests a branching of a main path into two or more leading in different directions.

after school their paths diverged

When is it sensible to use swerve instead of depart?

The meanings of swerve and depart largely overlap; however, swerve may suggest a physical, mental, or moral turning away from a given course, often with abruptness.

swerved to avoid hitting the dog

When can veer be used instead of depart?

The words veer and depart are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, veer implies a major change in direction.

at that point the path veers to the right

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of depart Matt Hengemuhle also is departing his role as SVP, Financial Planning & Analysis but will remain at Paramount, transitioning to the Direct to Consumer business. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2025 Trump departed the country shortly after his meeting with Xi, skipping out on the main summit of Asia-Pacific leaders. Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2025 Lock your home before departing. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2025 The final bus routes will depart at 7 o’clock tonight, and all ferry routes will be canceled tomorrow. George Solis, NBC news, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for depart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depart
Verb
  • So when Barkley exited Sunday’s Week 8 matchup against the New York Giants at the end of the third quarter, Eagles fans were likely holding their breath.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Trent Battle steps up TCU starting running back Kevorian Barnes exited the game after just one carry with an unknown injury, forcing the Horned Frogs to rely on their depth.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The baby, who initially made good progress after the surgery, died 20 days later.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The medical examiner on Friday determined that the student died by suicide.
    Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The buttery-soft fabric is lightweight and stretchy enough to move with you while still retaining its shape over time.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
  • On top of that responsibility and stress, he was frustrated with the Blazers’ losing and his role moving forward.
    Jason Quick, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • All told, hundreds of thousands perished.
    Ari Daniel, NPR, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The books of ancient Alexandria seem to have perished mainly by rot and neglect, not in a single blaze.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Since posting, Watt’s video has gone viral, even catching the attention of the Live Like Maddie Foundation, which thanked her for capturing the magic and shared her clip to help promote next year’s event.
    Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • When the candle burns out, upcycle the elegant blue jar into a seashell or trinket holder to keep the beachy vibes going.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Grandma's fall inspires middle schooler's invention Kevin said his grandmother, who lives with his family, fell at home about five years ago.
    Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The Phillies clearly have work to do this offseason after falling short in the NLCS, but restoring the relationship with Harper and emphasizing how false the rumors are needs to be a top priority.
    Shaun McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Ciske has also gotten creative in making sure kids can keep coming with their guardians.
    Jordyn Noennig, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The company got Turkish movie legend Mehmet Çevik as a pitchman.
    Moisés Naím, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Aside from weightless words, Hardwich notes that the worst thing about dating in 2025 is how common ghosting has become, with men showing interest only to disappear without warning.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Save screenshots, links and dates before the content disappears.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Depart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depart. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on depart

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