Synonyms of excavated

excavated

verb

past tense of excavate

as in dug

to hollow out or form (something) by removing earth

workmen are excavating a long tunnel that will eventually replace the aboveground expressway

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dug
• shoveled
• dredged
• mined
• scooped
• burrowed
• quarried
• clawed
• grubbed
• delved
• dug in
• spaded

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• filled (in)
• smoothed (out or over)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of excavated

Although the grounds were excavated and the bodies removed before the church’s construction, investigators suspect remains uncovered Thursday may have been left behind. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 5 Nov. 2026

The site was illegally excavated in the 1960s, the statues dismantled and scattered among various countries. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 4 Nov. 2026

The team also excavated and documented previously unknown parts of the tombs, including an offering chapel belonging to Sabu’s wife, Ikhetnefert, which was never found by Mariette. — Anne Doran For Artnews, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2026

It was found about 30 feet below the surface of the airfield while crews excavated the South Detention Basin, a stormwater management facility, as part of the ORDNext terminal expansion project. — Natalie McMillan, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

In Turkey, archaeologists recently excavated an unexpectedly pristine example of one Bronze Age artist’s proof-of-authenticity. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 28 Oct. 2026

The structures have never been excavated before, researchers said, according to Jam Press. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Once-barren lots have been excavated to lay foundations for apartments, roadways and restaurants. — Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026

On September 26, search teams excavated the area around the sports field, but did not find the boy. — CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026