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 However, beware of certain smells, such as cigarette smoke, which are nearly impossible to eradicate from wood pieces, Pearce warns. —

Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 6 June 2026 The quicker an infestation is found, the quicker the New World screwworm can be eradicated. —

Yun Li, CNBC, 6 June 2026 The New World screwworm had been declared eradicated in the US decades ago, thanks to efforts such as the breeding of sterile flies, awareness campaigns and efforts to control the pest in foreign countries. —

Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 4 June 2026 Florida's years-long effort to eradicate Burmese pythons and the Great Lakes region's ongoing struggle with zebra and quagga mussels illustrate what happens when early intervention fails, including high costs and potentially endless containment measures. —

Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for eradicate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for eradicate

Verb

These Knicks, who erased a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter against Cleveland in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, just don’t quit.

— Tim Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
The magic on the pitch during the World Cup has a way of erasing everything that happens off it – for better or worse.

— Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 11 June 2026