ERADICATE Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'eradicate' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of eradicate are exterminate , extirpate , and uproot . While all these words mean "to effect the destruction or abolition of something," eradicate implies the driving out or elimination of something that has established itself. // a campaign to eradicate illiteracy

Q: In what contexts can 'exterminate' take the place of 'eradicate'?

Although the words exterminate and eradicate have much in common, exterminate implies complete and immediate extinction by killing off all individuals. // exterminate cockroaches

Q: When is it sensible to use 'extirpate' instead of 'eradicate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to eradicate , extirpate implies extinction of a race, family, species, or sometimes an idea or doctrine by destruction or removal of its means of propagation. // many species have been extirpated from the area

Q: When can 'uproot' be used instead of 'eradicate'?

The words uproot and eradicate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, uproot implies a forcible or violent removal and stresses displacement or dislodgment rather than immediate destruction. // the war uprooted thousands

eradicate

verb

i-ˈra-də-ˌkāt

Definition of eradicate next

as in to erase

to destroy all traces of the successful effort to eradicate smallpox around the globe

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb eradicate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of eradicate are exterminate, extirpate, and uproot. While all these words mean "to effect the destruction or abolition of something," eradicate implies the driving out or elimination of something that has established itself.

a campaign to eradicate illiteracy

In what contexts can exterminate take the place of eradicate?

Although the words exterminate and eradicate have much in common, exterminate implies complete and immediate extinction by killing off all individuals.

exterminate cockroaches

When is it sensible to use extirpate instead of eradicate?

While in some cases nearly identical to eradicate, extirpate implies extinction of a race, family, species, or sometimes an idea or doctrine by destruction or removal of its means of propagation.

many species have been extirpated from the area

When can uproot be used instead of eradicate?

The words uproot and eradicate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, uproot implies a forcible or violent removal and stresses displacement or dislodgment rather than immediate destruction.

the war uprooted thousands

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 eradicate Mauigoa has a high ceiling but the leaning must be eradicated. —

Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026 Nutria, a hefty rodent with the tail of a rat, reappeared in California in 2017 — close to 40 years after it was deemed eradicated. —

Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026 The fundraiser supports research and therapeutic approaches to eradicate MS through the foundation’s Center Without Walls. —

Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026 Between 1966 and 2025, four of the 12 CDC directors were EIS alumni including William Foege, who is credited with leading efforts that ultimately eradicated smallpox. —

Matthew Donahue, STAT, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for eradicate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for eradicate

Verb

Just his ability to erase mistakes is extremely impressive where guys drive in the paint and see him and turn around and dribble out.

— Josh Robbins, New York Times, 6 May 2026
Satellite imagery reveals that in the weeks following the attack on the Abu Naser family building, more Israeli bombing nearly erased the rest of the neighborhood.

— Anas Baba, NPR, 6 May 2026