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
• devour
• total
• 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

The decision to directly involve the U.S. in the war comes after more than a week of strikes by Israel on Iran that have moved to systematically eradicate the country’s air defenses and offensive missile capabilities, while damaging its nuclear enrichment facilities. —Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025

McKenzie said Soleimani’s death markedly weakened Iran, and if Trump decides to hit the target, the U.S. probably could set the Iranian nuclear program back but not eradicate it. —Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 18 June 2025

But advocates say eradicating the Iranian nuclear threat and weakening the regime is in America's national interests because Tehran is a significant destabilizing force in the Middle East, where the United States has key allies and partners, such as Israel and Qatar. —Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025

Although the red autumn fruits with yellow casings make a lovely Thanksgiving wreath, this woody vine is difficult to manage and eradicate. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 14 June 2025

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