Synonyms of oust

oust

verb

ˈau̇st 

1

as in to eject

to drive or force out

she was ousted from her job after it was proven she'd been pilfering company supplies

Synonyms & Similar Words

• eject
• out
• banish
• dismiss
• chase
• expel
• evict
• remove
• cast out
• rout
• extrude
• kick out
• sack
• run off
• drum (out)
• boot (out)
• throw out
• turn out
• turf (out)
• dispossess
• bounce
• ostracize
• send packing
• deport
• give one the gate
• fire
• displace
• shut out
• exile
• read out
• can
• expatriate
• terminate
• retire
• deforce
• pink-slip
• ax
• defenestrate
• muster out
• discharge
• release
• cashier

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• take
• receive
• accept
• admit
• take in
• welcome
• entertain
• shelter
• house
• harbor
• lodge

2

as in to depose

to remove from a position of prominence or power (as a throne)

the people finally rose up and ousted the corrupt dictator

Synonyms & Similar Words

• depose
• topple
• unseat
• dethrone
• sack
• dismiss
• deprive
• displace
• banish
• unmake
• defrock
• remove
• overthrow
• usurp
• fire
• can
• uncrown
• eject
• supplant
• unthrone
• expel
• subvert
• retire
• cast out
• muster out
• rout
• extrude
• chase
• discharge
• run off
• boot (out)
• drum (out)
• throw out
• cashier
• bounce

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• crown
• initiate
• install
• appoint
• invest
• elect
• enthrone
• inaugurate
• designate
• baptize
• throne
• induct
• instate

3

as in to evict

to end the occupancy or possession of

the squatters were forcibly ousted from the abandoned building

Synonyms & Similar Words

• evict
• deprive
• dispossess
• divest
• expropriate
• strip
• usurp
• disinherit
• deforce
• annex
• impound
• commandeer
• seize
• disfurnish
• appropriate
• bereave
• take over

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb oust contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of oust are eject, evict, and expel. While all these words mean "to drive or force out," oust implies removal or dispossession by power of the law or by force or compulsion.

police ousted the squatters

When would eject be a good substitute for oust?

The words eject and oust can be used in similar contexts, but eject carries an especially strong implication of throwing or thrusting out from within as a physical action.

ejected an obnoxious patron from the bar

In what contexts can evict take the place of oust?

The synonyms evict and oust are sometimes interchangeable, but evict chiefly applies to turning out of house and home.

evicted for nonpayment of rent

When might expel be a better fit than oust?

While the synonyms expel and oust are close in meaning, expel stresses a thrusting out or driving away especially permanently which need not be physical.

a student expelled from college

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of oust

When the House ousted Speaker Kevin McCarthy in October 2023 after only nine months in the chamber’s top spot, Hern briefly ran to replace the California Republican. —David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026

Many Iranians who had cheered on the offensive as an opportunity to oust the regime felt betrayed. —Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026

Randrianirina, a colonel in an elite army unit, ousted President Andry Rajoelina after a weekslong uprising last year by mainly young Madagascans frustrated with the lack of government services and opportunities in a nation of around 32 million that is beset by poverty. —ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026

Then, Gail Slater, the chief of the antitrust division, was ousted. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026