Thesaurus results for DEFOLIATE

defoliate

verb

Definition of defoliate

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

Verb

Thanks to camelia, olive, rosehip, and turmeric, this formula improves collagen production, smooths wrinkles, reduces inflammation, speeds up healing, and firms skin.

— Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 19 Aug. 2026
If hunting or skinning animals, use gloves, and cook game meat thoroughly before eating.

— Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of skin

Verb

Tight end Trey McBride said Brissett barks at the defense after making a big play, particularly at star safety Budda Baker, which spikes practice competitiveness.

— Doug Haller, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Linnetz’s rambunctious wire-haired Viszla mix, Einstein, barks at what is unbeknownst to him one of the most legendary skateboards of all time.

— Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of bark

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

The Saints also appeared to have scored a defensive touchdown when edge rusher Chase Young hit Lions QB Jared Goff hard from behind, sending the ball flaying backward toward the Detroit goal line.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026
The children are dismembered and penetrated, flayed alive, disemboweled, and their intestines set alight.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 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

Napoli were camped inside their own penalty area, tortoise-shelling, daring Arsenal to batter their way through.

— Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
In a subsequent interview with Russian media, Vishegirskaya said that the hospital had only been shelled, not bombed, and that she had been filmed without her consent.

— Nick Holdstock, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of shell

Verb

Despite those dynamics, there was talk in recent days on Capitol Hill about the prospect of stripping the Washington congresswoman of her sole committee assignment.

— Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
First-round picks in 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032 and 2033 were stripped.

— Zach Harper, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of strip

Browse Nearby Words

deflects

defoliate

defoliated

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“Defoliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defoliate. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of defoliate

verb

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