leave-taking

noun

ˈlēv-ˌtā-kiŋ How to pronounce leave-taking (audio)
Definition of leave-takingnext
1
as in departure
the act of leaving a place the leave-taking of the guest of honor was scheduled for 11 o'clock

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in farewell
the act or process of two or more persons going off in different directions the sweethearts' leave-taking was filled with tearful pauses and promises to meet again

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 leave-taking The study of leave-taking was assumed to be more complicated than the study of greetings. — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026 Forest fires were lowering human birth weights, zoo chimpanzees in Kyoto enjoy virtual forests, and the chimpanzees of the Bossou community are formal in their greetings but unceremonious in their leave-taking. — Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 21 Feb. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leave-taking
  1. departure
  2. farewell
Noun
  • The View From Beijing In a departure from business strategies of the past, this current cohort of Chinese companies has a mandate to expand internationally, according to academic Karim Alwadi, based in Beijing.
    — Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Target your flight search to departure airports that regularly offer the greatest number of points and miles deals.
    — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of departure
Noun
  • Now cancer-free, Manilow has faced ups and downs in his recovery process but plans to return to Orlando for one last farewell concert in early 2027.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Just days after Dolly Parton's death, Carly Pearce, Jelly Roll and niece Jada Star helped Grand Ole Opry fans say goodbye in a joyful farewell.
    — Chris Parton, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of farewell

Browse Nearby Words

leaves (out)
leave-taking
leave-takings
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Cite this Entry

“Leave-taking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leave-taking. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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