Meaning & use

valedictory

adjective·Everyday

Last updated

Relating to or serving as a farewell, especially a formal speech given at a graduation ceremony.

See it in a sentence

She delivered the valedictory address to her graduating class.

His valedictory remarks as retiring CEO reflected on three decades with the company.

A note on using this word

From the Latin 'vale dicere', meaning 'to say farewell'; the related noun 'valedictorian' names the student who delivers this speech.

Words with a similar meaning

farewellparting

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

welcomingintroductory

Another way to use it

2. noun

A farewell speech or address.

His valedictory was praised for its humor and warmth.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “valedictory”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.