riddance

noun

rid·​dance ˈri-dᵊn(t)s 

1

: an act of ridding

2

: deliverance, relief

—often used in the phrase good riddance especially to express relief that someone or something has gone

Synonyms of riddance

• removal
• disposal
• dumping

Examples of riddance in a Sentence

the riddance of all the fleas from the house was a relief to everyone concerned

Recent Examples on the Web

The narrative arc usually involves some form of ghost-riddance, whether by removal of protagonist or ghost. — Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026

Good riddance, restrictive denim! — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026

And if even a fraction of the allegations are accurate, well then, good riddance. — Michelle Cottle, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026

When the brutal dictatorship of Daniel arap Moi ended in 2002, Kenyans sang of his riddance. — Troy Onyango, Time, 24 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1524, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing riddance

• good riddance

Kids Definition

riddance

noun

rid·​dance ˈrid-ᵊn(t)s 

: the act of ridding : the state of being rid of