Synonym Chooser

How does the verb deport contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of deport are banish, exile, and transport. While all these words mean "to remove by authority from a state or country," deport implies sending out of the country an alien who has illegally entered or whose presence is judged inimical to the public welfare.

illegal aliens will be deported

When might banish be a better fit than deport?

In some situations, the words banish and deport are roughly equivalent. However, banish implies compulsory removal from a country not necessarily one's own.

banished for seditious activities

When is it sensible to use exile instead of deport?

The synonyms exile and deport are sometimes interchangeable, but exile may imply compulsory removal or an enforced or voluntary absence from one's own country.

a writer who exiled himself for political reasons

When is transport a more appropriate choice than deport?

The meanings of transport and deport largely overlap; however, transport implies sending a convicted criminal to an overseas penal colony.

a convict who was transported to Australia

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 deport The Trump administration has vowed to deport any undocumented individuals with a criminal past. Elizabeth Keogh, New York Daily News, 30 Jan. 2025 We are told that the goal is to deport immigrants who have committed criminal acts. Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025 On Sunday, Colombian President Gustavo Petro initially declined to accept two American military planes transporting Colombian nationals deported from the U.S. Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, The Denver Post, 30 Jan. 2025 In the last fiscal year, ICE deported more than 271,000 people — the most in nearly a decade, according to the agency's annual report released in December. Russell Contreras, Axios, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for deport 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deport
Verb
  • Since being exiled from Club 33, many of the members with whom the Andersons were close no longer answer their calls.
    Justine Harman, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2025
  • As per previous releases, a dozen Palestinians serving life sentences for killing Israeli civilians were exiled to Egypt.
    Ghada Abdulfattah, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In a show like this, the heroes tend to be less interesting, but Jordan Fisher acquits himself well, and shows off the clarity of tenor, at the task of playing the cardboard hero Bobby Strong.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Trump was impeached by the House twice during his first term, but the Senate voted to acquit him on both occasions.
    Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • And perhaps most notable, the interior — long seen as a Vantage weak point — was greatly improved, with a more elegant design, higher-quality materials, and a brand-new infotainment system that finally banished the outdated Mercedes setup the car had been stuck with.
    Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Once George is inside the crate and lying down, the cat appears to mess with him, sticking his paw through the gaps in the crate where George has been banished.
    Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The Earth's upper crust contains around 3.5% iron, and dust generated on impact would carry these nutrients into the ocean, along with any additional iron that might be carried by the asteroid.
    Victoria Corless, Space.com, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The charge of interfering with flight crew members carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
    Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • When first created they were relegated to industrial use—cutting, drilling, and polishing rather than adorning fingers and décolletages.
    Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Sims had been largely relegated to a bench role after failing to make an impact in extended minutes on the floor this season.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Prions behave differently than viruses and bacteria and are virtually impossible to eradicate.
    Jim Robbin, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Both actors are clearly behaving well within the scope of the scene and with mutual respect and professionalism.
    Erin Keller, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The sound-deadening material has been evicted, with leather and vinyl trimming replaced by a roll cage that spans the now-vacant space.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 31 Jan. 2025
  • According to FindLaw, hotels have the right to evict guests who stay past checkout, even using law enforcement if necessary.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • From United’s perspective, the January plan was to lose players deemed at odds with the culture, add a left wing-back, and stay financially restrained ahead of the summer, when a long-term centre-forward can be recruited.
    James McNicholas, The Athletic, 4 Feb. 2025
  • He was dehydrated and exhausted when he was fished out of the ocean after landing, having spent several hours restrained in his couch.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near deport

Cite this Entry

“Deport.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deport. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on deport

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