farewell

imperative verb

fare·well | \ fer-ˈwel

Definition of farewell

(Entry 1 of 4)

: get along well —used interjectionally to or by one departing

farewell

noun

fare·well | \ fer-ˈwel

Definition of farewell (Entry 2 of 4)

1 : a wish of well-being at parting : goodbye said their farewells and headed home

2a : an act of departure : leave-taking I will take my farewell of this place tomorrow.

b : a formal occasion honoring a person about to leave or retire held a great farewell for the retiring senator

farewell

verb

fare·well | \ fer-ˈwel

Definition of farewell (Entry 3 of 4)

transitive verb

chiefly Australia and New Zealand

: to bid farewell to

farewell

adjective

fare·well | \ ˈfer-ˌwel

Definition of farewell (Entry 4 of 4)

: of or relating to leave-taking : final a farewell performance

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about farewell

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms & Antonyms for farewell

Synonyms: Noun

adieu, au revoir, ave, bon voyage, congé (also congee), Godspeed, good-bye (or good-by)

Synonyms: Adjective

parting, valedictory

Antonyms: Noun

hello

Examples of farewell in a Sentence

Noun

They said their farewells and headed home. the exchange student and her host family said their tearful farewells, promising to keep in touch

Verb

The retiring teacher was farewelled by the whole school at a special assembly.

Adjective

The band gave a farewell concert. the singer's farewell tour seemed to last almost as long as her entire career

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

After loving farewells, the family members separate for the day, the adults to work in the fields guarded by an overseer, the child to play with other youngsters. — Meghan Cox Gurdon, WSJ, "Children’s Books: Speaking Plainly About Slavery," 18 Jan. 2019 During its 11-year run, comedic legend Carol Burnett ended her show, The Carol Burnett Show, with a lyrical farewell and a tug of her left ear. — Amanda Garrity, Good Housekeeping, "The Real Reason Why Carol Burnett Pulls Her Ear," 4 Jan. 2019 But the film is designed as a proper farewell to a legend. — Noel Murray, The Verge, "This weekend, stream Venus, the breakthrough film for Doctor Who’s Thirteenth Doctor," 5 Oct. 2018 At least Nintendo's having fun with WWG as a 3DS farewell. — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, "WarioWare Gold: A fine example of Nintendo’s weird “end of life” history," 3 Aug. 2018 Eulogize your farewells, cosmic warrior — embracing forward motion requires acceptance of the past. — Aliza Kelly Faragher, Allure, "What Your Sign's November Horoscope Predictions Mean for You," 28 Oct. 2018 Beyond saying goodbye to a music festival that showcased acts big and small from the worlds of punk and alternative rock, the closing of Warped Tour also feels like a farewell to a place that embraced fans from different walks of life. — Angel E. Fraden, Teen Vogue, "Warped Tour: 9 People of Color Share Their Experiences With the Music Festival," 4 Aug. 2018 But so many people wanted to bid her farewell that the ceremony was moved to the 725-seat Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. — Mary Carole Mccauley, baltimoresun.com, "Capital Gazette reporter Wendi Winters remembered as 'an American hero'," 7 July 2018 Martinez and Galicia further allege that ICE had agreed the afternoon before that the reunification of Noah and his mother, as well as Inestroza's farewell to his partner, could be done in the open parking lot rather than inside the office. — Matt Campbell, kansascity, "ICE agent accused of assaulting lawyer while deporting Honduran mom with 3-year-old," 26 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

A thousand revelers came to the farewell party, where guests were encouraged to dress as 1920s film stars. — Lesley M.m. Blume, Town & Country, "Inside Frank Gehry's Overhaul of Garden of Allah, L.A.’s Most Infamous Corner," 25 Feb. 2019 Aptly, Obama delivers George Washington’s farewell address in the track, which also features Miranda, original Hamilton cast member Christopher Jackson, and gospel musician BeBe Winans. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Barack Obama Appears on a New Hamilton Remix Alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda," 22 Dec. 2018 But don't worry, viewers, there's still some time to say farewell to the 51-year-old. — Jennifer Aldrich, Country Living, "'MacGyver' Actor George Eads Is Reportedly Leaving the Show," 30 Nov. 2018 Everton striker Wayne Rooney has played his last Premier League game after bidding his teammates farewell on Saturday. — SI.com, "Wayne Rooney 'Says Everton Goodbyes' Having Played Final Premier League Game Before MLS Switch," 13 May 2018 In a farewell letter to the fans, via his Instagram, Wislhere insisted that his goal was to remain a Gunner. — SI.com, "Journalist Claims Jack Wilshere Will Complete Stunning Fenerbahce Switch Following Successful Talks," 29 June 2018 Besides Variety critics declaring that Robert should win for his farewell performance, most movie reviewers seem to think the honor deserves to go to Christian. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "See if Your 2019 Golden Globe Predictions Match Up With the Projected Winners," 5 Jan. 2019 The itinerary will end in Amsterdam, after a farewell dinner at Edinburgh's famous Mansfield Traquair, like the city's own Sistine Chapel. — Erin Florio, Condé Nast Traveler, "Silversea to Launch the World's First Cruise to Hit All 7 Continents," 17 Sep. 2018 For a farewell ceremony at the Royal Theatre, Brigitte wore a stark white dress with nude pumps. — Isabel Greenberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "Princess Mary of Denmark and Brigitte Macron Were Twinning In Red While Meeting in Copenhagen," 30 Aug. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'farewell.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.