departed 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈpär-təd How to pronounce departed (audio)
Definition of departednext
1
as in extinct
no longer existing a few crumbling ruins are all that remain of that departed civilization

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fallen
no longer living our dear departed friend

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

departed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of depart
1
as in exited
to leave a place often for another I'll sing one more song before I depart

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2
as in died
to stop living a special tribute for those members of the motion picture academy who have departed over the past year

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective departed contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of departed are dead, deceased, defunct, and late. While all these words mean "devoid of life," departed is used usually as a euphemism.

our departed sister

When is dead a more appropriate choice than departed?

While in some cases nearly identical to departed, dead applies literally to what is deprived of vital force but is used figuratively of anything that has lost any attribute (such as energy, activity, radiance) suggesting life.

a dead, listless performance

How does the word deceased relate to other synonyms for departed?

Deceased, departed, and late apply to persons who have died recently. Deceased is the preferred term in legal use.

the estate of the deceased

When might defunct be a better fit than departed?

The words defunct and departed are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defunct stresses cessation of active existence or operation.

a defunct television series

In what contexts can late take the place of departed?

In some situations, the words late and departed are roughly equivalent. However, late is used especially with reference to a person in a specific relation or status.

the company's late president

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 departed
Adjective
These spirits not only provide a thoughtful toast to the departed but also serve as a reminder of Mexico’s deep traditions and reverence for the past. —Rachel King, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Joining the core trio of Corgan, Iha and Chamberlin were bassist Jack Bates and guitarist Kiki Wong, who famously won the post from the departed Jeff Schroeder after a public casting call of more than 10,000. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 30 July 2024
Verb
On New Year’s Day, Zohran Mamdani completed his inauguration festivities and departed for Brooklyn. —Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026 On the ninth season of the show, back in 2009, most of the major characters departed, and the action moved to a new hospital. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for departed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for departed
  1. extinct
  2. fallen
  3. exited
  4. died
  5. defunct
  6. deceased
  7. moved
  8. perished
Adjective
  • Today, four are extinct and seven are endangered or threatened.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Today, four are extinct and seven are endangered or threatened.
    — Claire Rush, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of extinct
Adjective
  • Steven McDonald, a fallen hero of the department who channeled the agony of three devastating gunshot wounds into an enduring message of peace and forgiveness.
    — Barry Williams, New York Daily News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • As the give-and-take between Goldsworthy and the farmers of Penpont has deepened, the latter have become accustomed to the sight of the artist gathering wood or stones or fallen trees.
    — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of fallen
Verb
  • The right-hander exited after five innings, allowing four runs and seven hits, striking out six and walking one on 91 pitches.
    — Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The passenger exited the vehicle and went inside the residence to retrieve some clothes, the witness said, while Wimbley stayed in the vehicle.
    — Steven Mross, Arkansas Online, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of exited
Verb
  • As of now, it is known that two people died as a result of this attack.
    — Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 12 Feb. 2026
  • One person died Wednesday when a pickup truck crashed in an East County intersection.
    — City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Feb. 2026
Definition of died
Adjective
  • The old boiler wheezed and stalled, the roof sprang leaks, half-century-old pipes cracked, and the lobby intercom was defunct.
    — Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
  • A number of newspapers in town held similar contests, Morse says, including the now-defunct Chicago Inter Ocean, which published from 1865 to 1914.
    — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of defunct
Adjective
  • Umurzokov was found deceased near the upper entry door, while Cook was found dead on the floor between the aisles.
    — Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The first-draft Human Brain Cell Atlas, based on 3 million cells from the brains of three deceased people, defines 3,313 cell types.
    — Amber Dance, Quanta Magazine, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of deceased
Verb
  • Accepting the award, Yeoh moved the audience with an emotional speech reflecting on her career.
    — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Mission was moved from United Launch Alliance to speed up launch (ULA gets a future launch in exchange).
    — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of moved
Verb
  • As many as one-third of all Jewish victims of the Nazi genocide perished on Soviet territory.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Galen tried to slow the wave of illness, but most of the people in Aquileia perished.
    — Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of perished

Browse Nearby Words

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departed
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Cite this Entry

“Departed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/departed. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on departed

Nglish: Translation of departed for Spanish Speakers

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