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 Gone are the days of consistency under Bill Belichick, with Vrabel being the second coach in as many years since Belichick departed. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025 The rationale for allowing Morton to depart as a free agent was that Holmes was out of options and would be difficult to build up as a starter working out of the bullpen. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 11 July 2025 Kirk Tanner, president and CEO, is leaving to become the president and CEO at The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) and will depart on July 18. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 11 July 2025 One of Grant’s missives with the Dolphins is replacing defensive tackle Calais Campbell, the likely future Hall of Famer who departed for Arizona in free agency. Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for depart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depart
Verb
  • Here, exiting through the gift shop—fittingly named Lucky Rabbit—is a way to keep the story going at home.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 14 July 2025
  • The pilot and three passengers were able to safely exit the plane.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • One person died in federal prison after being kept in restraints for more than two days.
    Joseph Shapiro, NPR, 14 July 2025
  • The Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office will identify the two people who died.
    Samara Gerstle, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • As reported by The Athletic, an agreement for the 20-year-old Japan international was reached for £5million ($6.8m, 1billion Japanese yen), which represents a record fee for a player in the J League — the top division of Japanese football — moving overseas.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 8 July 2025
  • Through the soil created by centuries of decomposing plant life, through rocks ground down by shifting rivers and slowly moving mountains.
    Camila Domonoske, NPR, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • The great auk of the North Atlantic, the moa of New Zealand, the elephant bird of Madagascar, and the Réunion ibis of Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean all perished shortly after the humans entered the picture.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
  • Janis Gammill and Patrick Gammill, both 78, perished in the blaze, according to police.
    Claire Osborn, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • The action by the state legislature, set to go into effect in 2026, has already led Scott to completely reshape the business model of what has been 7 Point Farm and Apothecary, formerly in the Midway Center on Lebanon Road.
    Maria Leontaras, The Tennessean, 15 July 2025
  • Yet analysts, employees and even the company have said Target faces issues that go well beyond the economy.
    Melissa Repko, CNBC, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Musk’s net worth fell by as much as $15 billion in the days following the announcement of his political party.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 9 July 2025
  • The inky tresses stuck out behind her, falling from the BumpIt positioned on the crown of her head.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • The Raptors got within one on a 3-pointer by Jamal Shead with 3:56 to go.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 20 July 2025
  • Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm: To reduce the chance of being struck by lightning, when venturing outside, have a plan to get to a safer area.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • The child disappeared in June of that year but wasn’t reported missing until July when Caylee’s grandmother learned that Anthony hadn’t seen her daughter in a month.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 12 July 2025
  • Julie had disappeared from the stage and left a single high heel.
    David Wysong, The Enquirer, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Depart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depart. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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