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

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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 Use the corner or brush attachments on your vacuum to eradicate ceiling and wall debris that might be hard to reach otherwise. —

Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2026 Meanwhile, Iran’s leverage over the crucial Strait of Hormuz hardly has been eradicated; if anything, its leverage has increased as a consequence of the war. —

Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 9 Apr. 2026 Meanwhile, Iran’s leverage over the crucial Strait of Hormuz hardly has been eradicated; if anything, its leverage has increased as a consequence of the war. —

The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026 His statement threatening to eradicate an entire civilization shocks the conscience and requires a decisive congressional response. —

Eric McDaniel, NPR, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for eradicate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for eradicate

Verb

This year was supposed to erase the memory of recent suffering or at least make up for it.

— Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
The Rockets responded with runs in each half, outscoring the Lakers in the middle eight minutes and cutting it to 54-51 by halftime after erasing a 15-point deficit.

— Dan Woike, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026