PASSES AWAY Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

passes away

verb

present tense third-person singular of pass away

as in dies

to stop living the old woman passed away quietly

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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 passes away Notable franchise records • Dak Prescott is six touchdown passes away from passing Tony Romo to become the Dallas Cowboys career leader in passing touchdowns. — Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026 The loan does not need to be repaid until the last borrower passes away, sells the home, or moves out for good, such as entering long-term care. — Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026 This leaves the king with only one living son, Prince Yeongan, who quickly begins to show signs of mortal peril and also passes away mid-way through the series. — Kayti Burt, Time, 17 July 2026 Also, after your parent passes away, the account would legally be yours. — Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 15 May 2026 Most Social Security payments fund retirement and related benefits, providing monthly income to eligible workers and certain family members, as well as survivor benefits for families after a worker passes away. — Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 After Nora and Agnes’ mother passes away, Gustav returns to Oslo (and the gorgeous family house that has played home to some of their biggest tragedies) and tries to reestablish himself in his family’s lives. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 28 Oct. 2025 That's very different from a co-signer, who is equally responsible for any balance, even after the primary cardholder passes away. — Steve Hruby, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for passes away

Verb

Austin Dennison, played by David Gyasi, tragically dies in the first few episodes of Season 4.

— Peter White, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
In the first, a best-selling mystery author dies, and Benoit Blanc, a charismatic and inquisitive private eye played by Daniel Craig, must investigate.

— New York Times, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of dies

Verb

The January 16, 2027 slot once again falls the day after the end of nomination voting in the Academy Awards on January 15, and before the January 21 nominations announcement.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026
As night falls, Kenny and Christina are over the moon about their trip.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of falls

Verb

In The Children, sister and brother Guinevere and Ennis grow up under the shadow of their mother, Edith Sharpe, whose Ninth City children’s book series transfixes the world until Edith perishes in a mysterious fire in Vermont.

— Hamilton Cain, Time, 7 July 2026
Every soldier Harry would have saved on a transport during the war perishes too.

— Margaret Heidenry, Vanity Fair, 24 Dec. 2025

Definition of perishes

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passes

passes away

passes (down)

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“Passes away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passes%20away. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of passes away

verb

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