Synonyms of eradicate

eradicate

verb

i-ˈra-də-ˌkāt 

as in to erase

to destroy all traces of

the successful effort to eradicate smallpox around the globe

Synonyms & Similar Words

• erase
• abolish
• destroy
• obliterate
• exterminate
• annihilate
• expunge
• extirpate
• demolish
• efface
• wipe out
• liquidate
• cancel
• sweep (away)
• kill
• shatter
• clean (up)
• dismantle
• blot out
• stamp (out)
• ruin
• discard
• consume
• root (out)
• snuff (out)
• devastate
• ravage
• rub out
• dissolve
• decimate
• black out
• flatten
• waste
• expel
• fragment
• wreck
• smash
• tear down
• eject
• dash
• mow (down)
• powder
• total
• devour
• finish
• raze
• terminate
• excise
• oust
• kill off
• ditch
• blow up
• pulverize
• blast
• doom
• atomize
• cut
• zap
• throw out
• jettison
• dynamite
• splinter

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• protect
• preserve
• save
• conserve
• create
• build
• make
• construct
• form
• manufacture
• shape
• restore
• forge
• fabricate
• fix
• reconstruct
• rebuild
• frame
• repair
• renew
• patch
• mend
• fashion
• renovate
• revamp
• recondition

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of eradicate

Jim recommended buying Qnity during Wednesday's Morning Meeting, underscoring our view that the data center trade hasn't been completely eradicated by the election results. — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026

Pakistan began a nationwide campaign Monday to vaccinate 24 million children against polio as part of efforts to eradicate the disease. — ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026

Lawmakers across the United States have taken steps to eradicate the time switch, with 19 states hoping to see changes soon. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 30 Oct. 2026

Many practicing pediatricians share this measles naivete because the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine eradicated measles in the United States in 2000. — Katie Lockwood, STAT, 28 Oct. 2026

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