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

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Recent Examples of eradicate One month into the New World screwworm outbreak in Texas and the first parasitic fly detection in the United States after it was eradicated in 1966, cases continue to grow. —

Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 1 July 2026 When William and his brother, Prince Harry, were young boys, the former Princess of Wales would regularly take them to homeless shelters, and eradicating homelessness has become a cornerstone of the future king’s royal work. —

Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 30 June 2026 The path through impostor syndrome is not about eradicating the doubt. —

Karyn Gallant, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 In the nineteen-nineties, the Australian government launched a national campaign to eradicate red foxes. —

Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for eradicate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for eradicate

Verb

Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Cabot paints, says refreshing these pieces should never erase the charm.

— Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026
In order to safely accomplish the stunt, Cruise was attached via a wire that was later erased in post production.

— Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Definition of erase

Verb

The other reconstruction amendments abolished slavery and expanded voting rights.

— Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Trump and his supporters have repeatedly pushed Senate leaders to abolish the filibuster to pass the election bill, but there's also insufficient support to drastically change the chamber's procedures.

— Dan Mangan,Luke Fountain,Kevin Breuninger,Garrett Downs,Ashley Capoot,Justin Papp, CNBC, 2 July 2026

Definition of abolish

Verb

The most common type of dementia, which destroys memory and cognitive function, was responsible for 116,022 deaths in 2024, NCHS data shows.

— Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
That book is a revenge fantasy about the former art school professor who seduced her, discarded her and destroyed her confidence as a painter.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 2 July 2026