thoroughfare

noun

thor·​ough·​fare ˈthər-ə-ˌfer How to pronounce thoroughfare (audio)
ˈthə-rə-
Synonyms of thoroughfarenext
1
: a way or place for passage: such as
a
: a street open at both ends
b
: a main road
2
a
: passage, transit
b
: the conditions necessary for passing through

Synonyms of thoroughfare

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Examples of thoroughfare in a Sentence

one of the city's main thoroughfares
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.
Outside are cactus, mountain views and the thrum of cars heading to the many motels that line the Coachella Valley’s busiest thoroughfare. — Usa Today Network, USA Today, 29 July 2026 This new thoroughfare created an easy and direct route to reach the park by car that avoided steep mountain roads, according to park history. — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026 Authorities partially closed a major thoroughfare in Alexandria on Monday after a hazardous-materials incident left a white, powderlike substance scattered across the road, officials said. — Liam Bowman, Washington Post, 20 July 2026 Minus the dull thud of the boats gently colliding with the wooden posts they’re tied to, the normally busy thoroughfare is quiet. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for thoroughfare

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of thoroughfare was in the 15th century

Rhymes for thoroughfare

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Browse Nearby Words

thoroughbred
thoroughfare
thoroughfoot
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Cite this Entry

“Thoroughfare.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thoroughfare. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

thoroughfare

noun
thor·​ough·​fare ˈthər-ə-ˌfa(ə)r How to pronounce thoroughfare (audio)
ˈthə-rə-, 
-ˌfe(ə)r
1
: a street or road open at both ends
2
: a main road

More from Merriam-Webster on thoroughfare

Nglish: Translation of thoroughfare for Spanish Speakers

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