as in digs
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 excavates
Hale traverses mountain trails, excavates court records, and reflects on his family’s roots in the region to examine the unexpected connections between the two events.
—
The New Yorker, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
As Polly excavates the darkest parts of herself, the film can’t string together a build to match the depths of her soul-searching.
—J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025
The New Yorker, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
As Polly excavates the darkest parts of herself, the film can’t string together a build to match the depths of her soul-searching.
—J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excavates
digs
Verb
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Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
Joseph Flaherty,
Arkansas Online,
23 Apr. 2026
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The older one bounces his Spalding off the brick walls; the younger one digs his fingers into the box of corn flakes for the plastic prize.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Excavates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excavates. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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