defoliate

verb

Definition of defoliatenext
as in to skin

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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 defoliate At the opposite end of the spectrum are roses that are highly susceptible — losing vigor, producing fewer blooms, developing buds that ball up, and in some cases defoliating entirely. — Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026 While a small population of potato beetles won’t do much damage, large infestations can defoliate potato stems, weaken plants, and make potatoes produce fewer spuds. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Dec. 2025 The caterpillars feed and defoliate boxwood plants. — Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 30 Aug. 2025 In 2021, the moths defoliated over nine million acres of forest across the country according to Purdue University. — Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for defoliate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defoliate
  1. skin
  2. bark
  3. hull
  4. husk
  5. flay
  6. denude
  7. shell
  8. strip
Verb
  • If hunting or skinning animals, use gloves, and cook game meat thoroughly before eating.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • If hunting, trapping or skinning animals, use gloves when handling animals and cook game meat thoroughly before eating, according to the CDC.
    — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of skin
Verb
  • The greatest shooter ever stood on the hardwood where Patel would soon blow his whistle and bark out plays.
    — Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Her dog barked, and Vera went to say hello, scratching the mutt between the ears.
    — Eric Boodman, STAT, 31 July 2026
Definition of bark
Verb
  • Pumpkin seeds can be consumed hulled or unhulled, but sunflower seeds should only be consumed when hulled.
    — Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 10 July 2026
  • Recipe information If using ¾ cup hulled barley, rinse in a mesh sieve under running water.
    — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Apr. 2026
Definition of hull
Verb
  • Meanwhile, working one at a time, cut kernels off 4 large ears of corn, husked, and transfer to a large bowl.
    — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 June 2026
  • Just husk the corn, remove the silk and grill those cobs naked so they’re lightly charred, sweet, slightly crisp with a roasty popcorn taste.
    — Beth Dooley, Boston Herald, 20 Aug. 2025
Definition of husk
Verb
  • But after Richard’s death, his mercenary captain and right-hand man, the infamous Mercadier, had Basile flayed alive and hanged.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • The end came with England on 50-0, with Stokes flaying Foulkes to Mitchell at mid-on.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 June 2026
Definition of flay
Verb
  • The tribe led efforts to restore Prairie Creek, which had been largely denuded and buried by the timber operation.
    — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 28 July 2026
  • Against this show, college dorm room posters of melting clocks feel utterly denuded, with regrets to the angsty teens pinning them up.
    — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of denude
Verb
  • Take a cue from Elizabeth Taylor with a coral mini dress, straw bag, shell pendant necklace, and oversized sunglasses for instant vacation glamour.
    — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 30 July 2026
  • Raw eggs carry a risk of Salmonella, but this strain is not related to the Salmonella outbreak linked to shell eggs in the Midwest.
    — Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2026
Definition of shell
Verb
  • Prosecutors allege Williams and several other suspects held a victim against his will, pistol whipped him and stripped him of his belongings, Boyd said.
    — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Best cleanser under $35 This affordable cleanser removes makeup, sunscreen and daily grime without stripping your skin.
    — Casey DelBasso, ABC News, 31 July 2026
Definition of strip

Browse Nearby Words

deflects
defoliate
defoliated
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Cite this Entry

“Defoliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defoliate. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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