epitaph

noun

Definition of epitaphnext
as in inscription
something inscribed on a gravestone in memory of a dead person The epitaph reads "In loving memory of John Gray: husband, father, soldier."

Related Words

Relevance

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 epitaph The quote is often cited as an epitaph to Boeing’s golden age. — John Pacenti, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026 The inversion of Ehrlich's nightmare scenario is perhaps the most fitting epitaph for his life's central thesis. — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2026 That was the takeaway from his interview with Politico, an epitaph for the continent’s migration policy, strategic posture and governing class. — Newsweek Editors, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025 This famous epitaph is not real, but commonly repeated. — Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for epitaph
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epitaph
inscription
Noun
  • In the open-air park (Campo dei Nomi), artist Tonino Guerra created moving inscriptions dedicated to his friends Federico Fellini and Giulietta Masina.
    — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • An inscription about that early conflict can be seen on the California Fruit Building at 4th and J streets.
    — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of inscription

Browse Nearby Words

epistles
epitaph
epitaphial
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Epitaph.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epitaph. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on epitaph

Nglish: Translation of epitaph for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about epitaph

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of oxymoron

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Is “GIF” Pronounced “Jiff” or “Giff”?

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All