defoliate

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 Plants can defoliate all their leaves before any sign of the disease is obvious. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025 Thielen noted that the three St. Louis County wildfires were zero percent contained as of early Tuesday afternoon, and that the dry and windy conditions Tuesday and Wednesday are conducive to wildfire spread in an area heavily defoliated by the spruce budworm. Katie Rohman, Twin Cities, 13 May 2025 This bright red insect can severely defoliate these lilies. Pamm Cooper, Hartford Courant, 10 May 2025 Affected trees can be completely defoliated, giving a wintry appearance in summer. Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for defoliate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defoliate
Verb
  • The blunt comment by the esteemed brother of director Doug Liman certainly could be skinned over the evolving battle between MPRM Communications and 42West now that its officially gone to the courts.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 22 Sep. 2025
  • The blade is made from highly-durable, extra-sharp steel, making skinning and deboning a breeze.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • New research into Rembrandt van Rijn’s 1642 masterpiece suggests that this barking dog was inspired by the title page of a widely available book on the temptations of the flesh, illustrated by the Dutch artist, poet and publisher Adriaen van de Venne.
    Senay Boztas, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025
  • While barking and wagging her tail can signal excitement or protective instincts, the UKC also notes that the breed may display some level of dog aggression and, given its powerful physique, requires careful socialization and consistent obedience training.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • To hull a strawberry: Grab a sharp paring knife with your dominant hand, gripping the blade with your index finger and thumb, and leave about 1 inch poking out.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
  • Uses include: Blend hulled seeds with oil to make homemade tahini sauce Put them in a vegetable slaw Sprinkle on to add an Asian twist to your recipes. 4.
    Nancy LeBrun, Verywell Health, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • Examples include chopping bee, husking bee, logging bee, quilting bee, house- or barn-raising bee, sewing bee, spinning be, and, ultimately, spelling bee.
    Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • These include thinning fabric, stretching or sagging, holes, flaying, and heavy pilling.
    Gabi De la Rosa, Southern Living, 1 July 2025
  • Separating fact from invention is difficult, but there have been rumors that there was more than one murderer, the killing was drug-related and — perhaps most disturbingly — that Driscoll was either dismembered or flayed alive.
    Alex Heigl, People.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • And more recently, in the throes of a homeless crisis, city staff and law enforcement have removed and denuded trees to control the conditions on the street.
    Sam Bloch August 8, Literary Hub, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Trash burning and water shortages are a worsening blight, while the construction of upscale villas has denuded vegetation and exacerbated a perennial flooding problem.
    Charlie Campbell, TIME, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • There might be larger NSRs These findings challenge existing models of nova recurrence and shell formation, indicating that nova systems may evolve more rapidly than previously thought.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The company, which began in 1935, has been shelling pecans for travelers ever since.
    Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Royals took advantage, with De’rion Jones recovering a fumble after the defense stripped the Hawks quarterback.
    Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Unlike chocolate bars, the capsules provide a concentrated dose without sugar or fat – though processing often strips chocolate of antioxidants.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 27 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Defoliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defoliate. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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