as in to dig
to hollow out or form (something) by removing earth
workmen are excavating a long tunnel that will eventually replace the aboveground expressway
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Recent Examples of excavate
The team pickaxed a trench around the structure, excavated around the foundation and applied waterproofing on the brick.
—
Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
For every Pollak that offered a rejoinder to the fascist appropriation of Greece and Rome, there were apologists and collaborators who gladly excavated the ancients for the purposes of modern regimes.
—Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026
Atila found residues in seven different vessels but only obtained a conclusive result from one artifact excavated in the ancient city of Pergamon that dates from the second century.
—Jack Guy, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
While excavating the River Wear, archaeologists uncovered more than 800 whetstones — stone tools that were used to sharpen weapons and other tools — as well as 11 stone anchors believed to be linked to river transport.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for excavate
Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
For every Pollak that offered a rejoinder to the fascist appropriation of Greece and Rome, there were apologists and collaborators who gladly excavated the ancients for the purposes of modern regimes.
—Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026
Atila found residues in seven different vessels but only obtained a conclusive result from one artifact excavated in the ancient city of Pergamon that dates from the second century.
—Jack Guy, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
While excavating the River Wear, archaeologists uncovered more than 800 whetstones — stone tools that were used to sharpen weapons and other tools — as well as 11 stone anchors believed to be linked to river transport.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for excavate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excavate
Verb
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Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
17 Feb. 2026
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Progressive Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
John Brummett,
Arkansas Online,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Whether shoveling your driveway, building a snow man with the kids, or just generally mucking around in the cold, sleet and snow, Muck Boots will keep you comfortable and protected.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
16 Feb. 2026
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This 13-mile-long slice of Route 66 offers a glimpse into history, including 1920s roadside stores and a massive coal-shoveling machine that pays tribute to the state's mining history.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Excavate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excavate. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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