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

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 The species was largely eradicated in Connecticut because of habitat loss and over-trapping by the 1900’s. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 5 Aug. 2025 Measles, once largely eradicated in the United States, has resurged in unvaccinated communities, with outbreaks reported in states surrounding Wisconsin. Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 30 July 2025 The United Nations and world health community are mourning the death of David Nabarro, the British physician and public health champion who led the U.N response to eradicating cholera in Haiti after taking on some of the world’s most pressing diseases, including Ebola. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 29 July 2025 Rabies is spreading in the areas of the U.S. where the virus was once eradicated In the past year, 24 cases were confirmed in Nassau County, N.Y. Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for eradicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eradicate
Verb
  • The move to erase the sometimes ugly truth about this country’s history?
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 19 Aug. 2025
  • This practice of reframing doesn’t erase the problem, sure.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Chancellor Elva LeBlanc said Thursday that although faculty associations at TCC’s six campuses will be abolished Sept. 1, faculty will still have a voice and be included in decision-making processes.
    Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Aug. 2025
  • New York state, where Gendron pleaded guilty to 15 state charges, including multiple counts of murder, abolished capital punishment in 2004.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Protective sand dunes could be inundated and destroyed, which could lead to severe flooding inland, National Park Service officials at Cape Hatteras National Seashore warned Monday.
    Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2025
  • For weeks after the house was destroyed, Ms. Monarrez couldn’t sleep.
    Jill Cowan, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Eradicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eradicate. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on eradicate

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