Definition of departnext

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 The jet departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was headed to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas, according to the agency. — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026 Three four-year starters — guards Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer and forward Trey Kaufman-Renn — have departed. — Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026 After the conclusion of the World Series, Luke Maile, Jonathan India, Craig Kimbrel, Josh Rojas and Alec Marsh were among the players who departed Kansas City via free agency. — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2026 Deeply hurt by her accusations, Lakshmana responds angrily before reluctantly departing. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for depart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depart
Verb
  • Sweet followed the man into a nearby Shell gas station parking lot, exited his car and approached the suspect.
    — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • After the housekeeper left, Watford exited the room wearing different clothes, sat on the hallway floor and scrolled on his phone, the complaint says.
    — Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 10 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Stacy Keach, an actor known for playing detective Mike Hammer, has died at age 85.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
  • His longtime partner, Evans Richardson, died in April 2023, and he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome that same August.
    — Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 11 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Brett Baty will get plenty of at-bats by continuing to move around the field playing in the infield and outfield.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 12 Nov. 2026
  • In New York City, about 74% of its students move onto the next grade with Success Academy.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Then, an echoing outro recalls one of Thom Yorke’s perishing melodies.
    — Hannah Jocelyn, Pitchfork, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Adding to the confusion, a young female pilot has since been reported to have perished in the crash.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Jones’ uncle, Christopher Mathews, described the head coach as a positive Black man in his community who goes above and beyond for his players and students.
    — Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Most of the money would have been used to backfill federal funding cuts to healthcare, and 10% would have gone toward education and food-assistance programs.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • And good things came to the Nets even when the deep ball didn’t fall.
    — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Highs will reach the lower 60s before temperatures begin falling.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Brett Baty will get plenty of at-bats by continuing to move around the field playing in the infield and outfield.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Every guest gets one with a professional photographer, including hair, makeup, and costumes, from traditional to modern.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Each Aman brings a particular individuality, yet the continuous thread between each is this aptitude for creating a space where guests can fully succumb to relaxation.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
  • In the aftermath, Anya and Lisbeth are bonded by a dark secret about what happened that night, and the town slowly succumbs to a wave of religious hysteria.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Depart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depart. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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