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 show has had a rotating list of people sitting alongside Hager since Hoda Kotb departed the morning series in January. Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 6 June 2025 President Donald Trump and Elon Musk (R) speak before departing the White House on his way to his South Florida home in Mar-a-Lago in Florida on March 14, 2025. Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 5 June 2025 Wilson, like Fields, departed Pittsburgh after just one season and is now with the New York Giants. David Close, CNN Money, 5 June 2025 The 26-year-old England full-back will depart Anfield after nine years with the first team that brought 352 appearances, 23 goals, 86 assists and eight domestic, European and world trophies. Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for depart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depart
Verb
  • Fischer explained that she's heard a narrative that the show declined in quality about halfway through its run, which lasted from 2005 until 2013, and that the sitcom struggled once series lead Steve Carell exited during season 7.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 29 May 2025
  • Four other transfer quarterbacks also exited with years to spare.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Wayne Lewis, founding member of hit R&B group Atlantic Starr, died on Thursday (June 5).
    Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 9 June 2025
  • Sly Stone, a funk pioneer whose influence and impact as leader of the musical group Sly and the Family Stone was as enduring as his career was brief, died Monday in Los Angeles.
    Rob Tannenbaum, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • The couple had been planning to move back to Montreal before the October 2024 incident.
    Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 2 June 2025
  • Last month, the department moved ahead with negotiated rulemaking, a lengthy process that would result in changes to federal regulations.
    Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Language begins to perish: The same words recur, deadeningly.
    James Parker, The Atlantic, 27 May 2025
  • But keeping the oysters out of the reef during peak feeding season could have caused some to perish, Fiala said.
    Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • The funds raised at this event are crucial, as the net proceeds go directly to DMVA, allowing the organization to further its essential nonprofit mission: to bolster and sustain the small businesses that form the heart of the Del Mar community, the news release stated.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2025
  • Some comforters can go right into the wash with no problem, while others need some extra or different care.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • Heavy rain is falling across the Kansas City area, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a flash flood warning for parts of the metro.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2025
  • Disproportionate burden of care Traditionally, child care and household duties fall squarely on mothers.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • Clients would get the remains of not only their loved one, but also the remains of other bodies.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 2 June 2025
  • Left-hander Pierce Coppola got the start and, after a dominant return against Alabama to the tune of 10 strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings, just couldn’t find the zone.
    Jackson Castellano, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • This marks a significant expansion of the President's Choice line, which sees its limited-release bottles quickly disappear into the hands of bourbon collectors and whiskey enthusiasts.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • For example, the GFS could spit out a prediction for a US hurricane landfall about 10 days from now, only to have that chance completely disappear as the forecast date draws closer.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Depart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depart. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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