as in to dig
to hollow out or form (something) by removing earth
workmen are excavating a long tunnel that will eventually replace the aboveground expressway
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Recent Examples of excavate
The key evidence was teeth belonging to the animals, excavated during an archaeological dig in western New Guinea.
—
Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 9 Mar. 2026
The plan even included transporting heavy equipment, such as bulldozers, in case buried nuclear material had to be excavated.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026
Idaho State Police, with assistance from local authorities, as well as search and rescue groups, excavated the backyard over several days — starting in a small spot near the fence line, and eventually removing and sifting dirt from the entire area.
—Alex Brizee
march 5, Idaho Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026
Scientists think these volcanic rocks may have been excavated by impact events and later redistributed by wind and gravity, a process seen in many craters across Arabia Terra.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for excavate
Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 9 Mar. 2026
The plan even included transporting heavy equipment, such as bulldozers, in case buried nuclear material had to be excavated.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026
Idaho State Police, with assistance from local authorities, as well as search and rescue groups, excavated the backyard over several days — starting in a small spot near the fence line, and eventually removing and sifting dirt from the entire area.
—Alex Brizee
march 5, Idaho Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026
Scientists think these volcanic rocks may have been excavated by impact events and later redistributed by wind and gravity, a process seen in many craters across Arabia Terra.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for excavate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excavate
Verb
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Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
Bradley Gitz,
Arkansas Online,
16 Mar. 2026
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The goal is to find a rhythm that keeps you moving consistently and comfortably without digging yourself into a hole.—
Avery Newmark,
AJC.com,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Su said in their first year, a team of 15 people volunteered their time to shovel 44 sidewalks, driveways and paths.—
Ubah Ali,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
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Lewis, of Madison, shovels snow during a blizzard, March 16, 2026 in Madison, Wisconsin.—
Kathryn Prociv,
NBC news,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Excavate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excavate. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
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