fanfare

noun

fan·​fare ˈfan-ˌfer How to pronounce fanfare (audio)
Synonyms of fanfarenext
1
: a short and lively sounding of trumpets
2
: a showy outward display

Examples of fanfare in a Sentence

The new jet was introduced with great fanfare.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The painting appeared at the Met with little fanfare or even a press release, but was discovered by the art media last month. — Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2026 Harry and Meghan eventually left their home in Montecito and moved to the UK without much fanfare. — Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 1 Sep. 2026 President Vladimir Putin opened the Kerch Bridge – the only direct connection to the Russian mainland – by driving across its 12-mile span to much official fanfare in 2018. — Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 31 Aug. 2026 In an era when conferences increasingly lack regional ties, the fanfare and excitement of annual battles between old rivals is on the decline. — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fanfare

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fanfare was in 1605

Rhymes for fanfare

See All Rhymes for fanfare

Browse Nearby Words

fanfarade
fanfare
fanfaron
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fanfare.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fanfare. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fanfare

noun
fan·​fare ˈfan-ˌfa(ə)r How to pronounce fanfare (audio)
-ˌfe(ə)r
: a short stirring tune played by trumpets

More from Merriam-Webster on fanfare

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for fanfare

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fanfare

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