Find English Synonyms for Departure and Leaving Words – Quiz!

abandon (verb) /əˈband(ə)n/
Meaning: It can be used to describe various situations, such as deserting a place or a person, withdrawing support or resources, or relinquishing a project or a plan.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to abandon?
Options: desert; retain; keep; hold onto
Answer: desert
Synonyms: desert; discard; disown; disregard; ditch; dump; forsake; jettison; jilt; relinquish; renounce; strand
Example: "She had to abandon her old car on the side of the road."

abnegate (verb) /ˈabnɪɡeɪt/
Meaning: It implies a conscious decision to deny oneself something that one may desire or need, in favor of something else.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to abnegate?
Options: renounce; embrace; claim; pursue
Answer: renounce
Synonyms: abandon; abdicate; abstain; concede; decline; deny; eschew; forgo; forsake; sacrifice
Example: "He chose to abnegate his desires for the sake of his family."

abscond (verb) /əbˈskɒnd/
Meaning: It is often used to describe someone who leaves their place of work, residence, or custody without permission or without fulfilling their obligations.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to abscond?
Options: flee; remain; stay; confront
Answer: flee
Synonyms: bolt; decamp; depart; disappear; elope; escape; evade; flee; leave; run; skedaddle; slip
Example: "The thief tried to abscond with the stolen jewels, but the alarm sounded."

abstain (verb) /əbˈsteɪn/
Meaning: When someone abstains from something, they choose not to participate in it, often for reasons related to personal choice, principles, health, or moral beliefs.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to abstain?
Options: refrain; indulge; partake; engage
Answer: refrain
Synonyms: avoid; decline; desist; eschew; forbear; forgo; renounce; resist; shun; withhold
Example: "He chose to abstain from alcohol for his health."

apostate (noun) /əˈpɔsteɪt/
Meaning: Apostates are typically seen as having turned away from their former faith or allegiance, often in a dramatic or public way.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to apostate?
Options: defector; adherent; follower; loyalist
Answer: defector
Synonyms: defector; deserter; dissenter; dissident; heretic; pariah; rebel; renegade; traitor; turncoat
Example: "The religious community was shocked when he declared himself an apostate."

banish (verb) /ˈbanɪʃ/
Meaning: It involves sending or driving away something, usually unwanted or harmful, to a remote or distant location.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to banish?
Options: exile; welcome; harbor; admit
Answer: exile
Synonyms: bar; deport; dismiss; eject; evict; exclude; exile; expel; ostracize; oust; outlaw; remove
Example: "The protagonist must find a way to banish the evil spirits from the haunted house."

decamp (verb) /dɪˈkæmp/
Meaning: When someone or a group of people decamps, they hastily and covertly depart from their current location, typically abandoning it without prior notice or warning.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to decamp?
Options: flee; arrive; settle; stay
Answer: flee
Synonyms: abscond; bolt; depart; desert; elope; escape; evacuate; flee; run; skedaddle; skip; vanish
Example: "The circus performers quickly decamped from the town after their final show."

defection (noun) /dɪˈfɛk ʃən/
Meaning: It involves the deliberate decision to separate oneself from a previously held affiliation, often for ideological, political, or personal reasons.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to defection?
Options: desertion; loyalty; allegiance; fidelity
Answer: desertion
Synonyms: abandonment; apostasy; betrayal; desertion; disloyalty; insubordination; mutiny; rebellion; renunciation; revolt; secession; treachery
Example: "The politician's defection from his party shocked the public."

defector (noun) /dɪˈfɛk tər/
Meaning: A defector is someone who has made the conscious decision to separate themselves from a previous affiliation and join or align with a different group or cause.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to defector?
Options: deserter; loyalist; adherent; supporter
Answer: deserter
Synonyms: absconder; apostate; deserter; dissenter; dissident; emigrant; escapee; rebel; renegade; runaway; traitor; turncoat
Example: "The defector, once loyal, now exposes the regime's secrets to the world."

depart (verb) /dɪˈpɑrt/
Meaning: It signifies the act of starting a journey or separating oneself from a group or individual.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to depart?
Options: leave; arrive; stay; return
Answer: leave
Synonyms: decamp; embark; exit; forsake; leave; move; part; retreat; separate; withdraw
Example: "After a heartfelt goodbye, she decided to depart, leaving behind cherished memories."

deplane (verb) /diˈpleɪn/
Meaning: When passengers deplane, they proceed to leave the aircraft, usually through designated exits or jet bridges.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to deplane?
Options: disembark; board; embark; enter
Answer: disembark
Synonyms: alight; debark; deboard; descend; disembark; dismount; egress; exit; leave; unload
Example: "Please remain seated until the pilot gives the signal to deplane."

deracinate (verb) /dɪˈræs əˌneɪt/
Meaning: The term is often used in a figurative sense, such as when referring to the removal of people from their homes or the displacement of cultures.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to deracinate?
Options: uproot; plant; establish; settle
Answer: uproot
Synonyms: abolish; banish; destroy; dislocate; dislodge; displace; eliminate; eradicate; evict; exile; expel; extirpate
Example: "The invasive species is threatening to deracinate the native flora and fauna."

deserter (noun) /dɪˈzɜr tər/
Meaning: A deserter is someone who intentionally and willfully withdraws from their obligations, disregarding their commitments and responsibilities.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to deserter?
Options: traitor; loyalist; adherent; follower
Answer: traitor
Synonyms: abandoner; absconder; apostate; betrayer; defector; escapee; fugitive; refugee; renegade; runaway; traitor; turncoat
Example: "His status changed from soldier to deserter after he fled the battlefield."

desertion (noun) /dɪˈzɜr ʃən/
Meaning: It denotes the intentional act of leaving behind a position, organization, or group to which one had a commitment or obligation.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to desertion?
Options: abandonment; return; loyalty; commitment
Answer: abandonment
Synonyms: abandonment; absconding; apostasy; betrayal; defection; disloyalty; forsaking; relinquishment; reneging; renunciation; treachery; withdrawal
Example: "The soldier's desertion from the army resulted in a warrant for his arrest."

detach (verb) /dɪˈtætʃ/
Meaning: It involves removing or unfastening an object or part from another object or entity.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to detach?
Options: separate; attach; connect; join
Answer: separate
Synonyms: disconnect; disengage; extract; isolate; release; remove; separate; sever; undo; unfasten; unhook; untie
Example: "Please detach the document from the file before submitting it."

disconnection (noun) /ˌdɪs kəˈnɛk ʃən/
Meaning: It represents the act or process of becoming disconnected, either physically, emotionally, or conceptually.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to disconnection?
Options: detachment; connection; union; attachment
Answer: detachment
Synonyms: alienation; break; detachment; disunion; division; estrangement; interruption; isolation; rupture; separation; severance; withdrawal
Example: "The sudden disconnection of the call left her feeling frustrated and confused."

disillusion (verb) /ˌdɪsɪˈluʒən/
Meaning: It can be a painful experience because it involves losing faith or trust in someone or something.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to disillusion?
Options: disenchant; delude; deceive; mislead
Answer: disenchant
Synonyms: debunk; disabuse; disappoint; disenchant; dishearten; dispirit; embitter; shatter; undeceive
Example: "His words will disillusion many who had faith in his promises."

divorce (noun) /dɪˈvɔrs/
Meaning: It is a formal process by which a couple legally ends their marriage relationship and becomes legally single individuals again.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to divorce?
Options: separation; marriage; union; reconciliation
Answer: separation
Synonyms: annulment; breakup; detachment; disengagement; dissolution; disunion; estrangement; parting; separation; severance; split
Example: "They decided to get a divorce after years of unhappiness."

elapse (verb) /ɪˈlæps/
Meaning: It describes the gradual movement or progression of time, particularly in relation to a specific period or event.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to elapse?
Options: pass; freeze; halt; stop
Answer: pass
Synonyms: advance; flow; lapse; move; pass; proceed; progress; run; tick; transpire; unfold
Example: "As the minutes elapse, the anticipation for the event grows stronger."

elope (verb) /ɪˈloʊp/
Meaning: It implies a sense of spontaneity and a desire to bypass traditional wedding customs or societal expectations.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to elope?
Options: abscond; stay; remain; settle
Answer: abscond
Synonyms: abscond; bolt; decamp; depart; desert; escape; flee; skip; vanish
Example: "The couple made a spontaneous decision to elope and get married in secret."

emancipation (noun) /ɪˌmansɪˈpeɪʃ(ə)n/
Meaning: This can refer to physical, political, or social liberation, depending on the context.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to emancipation?
Options: liberation; enslavement; subjugation; captivity
Answer: liberation
Synonyms: autonomy; deliverance; discharge; enfranchisement; freedom; independence; liberation; manumission; release; unshackling; unyoking
Example: "The historical event marked a significant milestone in the emancipation of oppressed communities."

emigrate (verb) /ˈɛm ɪˌgreɪt/
Meaning: It involves the process of relocating from one's place of origin to establish a new residence or home in a foreign land.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to emigrate?
Options: migrate; return; stay; remain
Answer: migrate
Synonyms: depart; immigrate; journey; migrate; move; relocate; resettle; shift; transfer; transplant; voyage; wander
Example: "They plan to emigrate to Canada next year for better job opportunities."

escape (verb) /ɪˈskeɪp/
Meaning: When someone escapes, they manage to evade or elude confinement, danger, or unwanted circumstances.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to escape?
Options: flee; remain; stay; confront
Answer: flee
Synonyms: abscond; bolt; dodge; elude; evade; flee; fly; run; slip; vanish
Example: "The prisoner attempted to escape through a hidden tunnel."

evict (verb) /ɪˈvɪkt/
Meaning: It involves the removal of a person or a group of individuals from a place they have been occupying.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to evict?
Options: expel; welcome; admit; invite
Answer: expel
Synonyms: banish; deport; depose; dislodge; eject; expel; oust; remove
Example: "The landlord has the right to evict tenants who do not pay rent."

exile (noun) /ˈɛkzʌɪl/
Meaning: It can also refer to the state of living away from one's home or country, either voluntarily or involuntarily.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to exile?
Options: banishment; return; homecoming; repatriation
Answer: banishment
Synonyms: banishment; deportation; ejection; eviction; exclusion; expulsion; ostracism; separation
Example: "His life in exile became a testament to resilience and longing for home."

exodus (noun) /ˈɛksədəs/
Meaning: This term is frequently used to describe a significant movement of individuals, families, or communities away from their current location, often driven by various factors such as social, political, economic, or environmental reasons.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to exodus?
Options: departure; arrival; return; influx
Answer: departure
Synonyms: drain; emigration; evacuation; exit; flight; migration; outflow; outpouring; retreat; withdrawal
Example: "The exodus from the city was sudden, leaving empty streets and silent neighborhoods."

expatriate (noun) /ɪksˈpatrɪət/
Meaning: The term is commonly used to describe people who have chosen to live in a foreign country for an extended period of time, usually for work or study.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to expatriate?
Options: emigrant; native; resident; citizen
Answer: emigrant
Synonyms: alien; departer; deportee; emigrant; evacuee; exile; expat; fugitive; migrant; refugee
Example: "He was an expatriate living in a foreign country, far away from his home and family."

expel (verb) /ɪkˈspɛl/
Meaning: It can refer to physically ejecting someone from a location, such as expelling a student from school or a trespasser from private property.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to expel?
Options: oust; welcome; admit; invite
Answer: oust
Synonyms: banish; debar; discharge; dislodge; eject; evacuate; evict; exclude; oust; remove; sack
Example: "The school board voted to expel the student for breaking the rules."

forsake (verb) /fəˈseɪk/
Meaning: When one "forsakes" something, they give it up completely, without any intention of returning or reclaiming it.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to forsake?
Options: abandon; keep; maintain; cherish
Answer: abandon
Synonyms: abdicate; desert; discard; disown; forgo; relinquish; repudiate; resign; spurn; surrender; yield
Example: "He couldn't forsake his lifelong dream of becoming an astronaut."

forsaken (verb) /fɔrˈseɪ kən/
Meaning: When someone is forsaken, they are left behind or cast aside, often resulting in feelings of loneliness, despair, and abandonment.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to forsaken?
Options: abandoned; cherished; embraced; kept
Answer: abandoned
Synonyms: abandoned; betrayed; deserted; discarded; forgotten; neglected; rejected; relinquished; renounced
Example: "The abandoned house stood in the heart of the forsaken village, forgotten by time."

lapse (noun) /laps/
Meaning: A lapse can occur when someone unintentionally makes a mistake or neglects their responsibilities for a brief period.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to lapse?
Options: slip; uphold; maintain; continue
Answer: slip
Synonyms: blunder; breach; bungle; error; failing; foible; goof; miscue; oversight; slip; violation
Example: "His lapse in concentration caused him to make a mistake on the test."

leave (verb) /liv/
Meaning: It involves physically or figuratively separating oneself from a person, location, or circumstance.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to leave?
Options: depart; arrive; stay; return
Answer: depart
Synonyms: abandon; depart; discontinue; exit; forsake; go; quit; relinquish; retreat; separate; vacate; withdraw
Example: "He'll leave his childhood home to start a new life in the city."

nirvana (noun) /nɪəˈvɑːnə/
Meaning: It is a state of ultimate happiness, peace, and freedom from suffering.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to nirvana?
Options: enlightenment; turmoil; suffering; chaos
Answer: enlightenment
Synonyms: awakening; bliss; ecstasy; happiness; heaven; joy; paradise; peace; serenity; tranquility
Example: "Buddhist philosophy teaches that attaining nirvana is the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation."

retire (verb) /rɪˈtaɪər/
Meaning: It involves voluntarily stepping away from a formal job or career in order to enter a period of relaxation, leisure, or a new phase of life.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to retire?
Options: withdraw; commence; start; begin
Answer: withdraw
Synonyms: abdicate; depart; discontinue; exit; leave; quit; resign; withdraw
Example: "He plans to retire from his job next year."

retreat (verb) /rɪˈtriːt/
Meaning: It typically involves the intentional retraction or backward movement from a position that was previously occupied or pursued.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to retreat?
Options: withdraw; advance; approach; confront
Answer: withdraw
Synonyms: backpedal; backtrack; disengage; ebb; flee; recede; recoil; regroup; retire; retract; reverse; withdraw
Example: "I retreat to my favorite reading nook every evening."

sabbatical (noun) /səˈbatɪkl/
Meaning: A sabbatical is often used by academics, researchers, and professionals in various fields as a way of taking time away from their normal work routines to pursue interests, projects, or travel, or simply to recharge and renew themselves.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to sabbatical?
Options: break; continuation; persistence; return
Answer: break
Synonyms: break; furlough; holiday; interim; leave; recess; relaxation; respite; rest; vacation
Example: "She took a sabbatical from her teaching position to write a book."

severance (noun) /ˈsɛv(ə)r(ə)ns/
Meaning: The term is most commonly used in the context of employment, where it refers to the process of terminating an employee's employment and the compensation that is provided to the employee as a result.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to severance?
Options: separation; union; attachment; connection
Answer: separation
Synonyms: breach; breakup; divorce; estrangement; parting; rupture; separation; split; sundering
Example: "The severance of diplomatic ties between the two countries escalated into a tense standoff."

skedaddle (verb) /skɪˈdæd l/
Meaning: It conveys a sense of hurried movement, often accompanied by a desire to escape a situation or avoid trouble.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to skedaddle?
Options: flee; stay; remain; linger
Answer: flee
Synonyms: bolt; dart; dash; escape; flee; hasten; hustle; run; scram; scurry; sprint
Example: ""Time to skedaddle; the storm is near," Jane said, grabbing her coat quickly."

temporary (adjective) /ˈtɛm pəˌrɛr i/
Meaning: It refers to a temporary state or condition that is subject to change, transition, or expiration.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to temporary?
Options: fleeting; permanent; lasting; enduring
Answer: fleeting
Synonyms: brief; evanescent; fleeting; impermanent; interim; makeshift; momentary; passing; provisional; stopgap; transient
Example: "We set up a temporary shelter for the victims of the natural disaster."

throwaway (adjective) /ˈθroʊ əˌweɪ/
Meaning: It describes an object, remark, or action that is considered to be insignificant, casually discarded, or easily replaced.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to throwaway?
Options: disposable; permanent; durable; reusable
Answer: disposable
Synonyms: casual; disposable; ephemeral; expendable; fleeting; inconsequential; insignificant; superficial; temporary; trivial; unimportant
Example: "The magazine contained a few throwaway articles that lacked substance."

truant (noun) /ˈtruːənt/
Meaning: Truancy can be a persistent issue for schools and can lead to academic and social problems for the student.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to truant?
Options: absentee; attendant; present; punctual
Answer: absentee
Synonyms: absentee; delinquent; deserter; dodger; idler; loafer; malingerer; runaway; shirker; slacker
Example: "The boy was labeled a truant after skipping school for three days straight."

unconventional (adjective) /ˌʌnkənˈvɛnʃən(ə)l/
Meaning: It implies that it is different, original, or not typical.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to unconventional?
Options: atypical; conventional; traditional; standard
Answer: atypical
Synonyms: alternative; atypical; avant-garde; eccentric; idiosyncratic; innovative; irregular; nonconformist; nontraditional; offbeat; original; radical
Example: "Her unconventional approach to problem-solving always yielded creative solutions."

unorthodox (adjective) /ʌnˈɔːθədɒks/
Meaning: Unorthodox ideas or approaches can be seen as unconventional or even controversial, as they often challenge or depart from widely accepted norms or customs.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to unorthodox?
Options: unconventional; traditional; conventional; orthodox
Answer: unconventional
Synonyms: alternative; atypical; avant-garde; eccentric; heretical; heterodox; iconoclastic; irregular; nonconformist; nontraditional; offbeat; original
Example: "Her unorthodox approach to teaching encouraged students to think outside the box."

vacate (verb) /ˈveɪkeɪt/
Meaning: It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as vacating a rental property, vacating a job, or vacating a position of power or authority.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to vacate?
Options: evacuate; occupy; inhabit; fill
Answer: evacuate
Synonyms: abandon; abdicate; abrogate; clear; depart; evacuate; relinquish; renounce; resign; withdraw
Example: "The tenants were given notice to vacate the property by the end of the month."

withdraw (verb) /wɪðˈdrɔː/
Meaning: The term is often used in a variety of contexts, from personal relationships to financial transactions to military operations.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to withdraw?
Options: retreat; advance; confront; engage
Answer: retreat
Synonyms: depart; detach; extract; leave; pull; recall; recant; rescind; retire; revoke; secede
Example: "She decided to withdraw her candidacy for the position."

withdrawn (adjective) /wɪðˈdrɔn, wɪθ-/
Meaning: A withdrawn individual may exhibit a tendency to keep to themselves, avoiding or feeling uncomfortable in large gatherings or unfamiliar situations.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to withdrawn?
Options: introverted; sociable; extroverted; outgoing
Answer: introverted
Synonyms: aloof; detached; hermitic; introverted; isolated; quiet; reclusive; reserved; reticent; secretive; shy; solitary
Example: "She sat in the corner, withdrawn from the bustling party."