excavation

noun

Definition of excavationnext
as in trench

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of excavation The excavation is expected to be complete in another month, with plans to showcase the archaeological finds to the public, the Fine Arts Department said. — Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026 Acknowledging a difficult decision, a Will County committee Thursday recommended the County Board reject plans by a nondestructive hydro-excavation business to build an office and house its trucks on 159th Street in Homer Township. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026 The two rings were found during an ongoing excavation at the Don Yai Thong archaeological site in Phetchaburi province, about 80 miles southwest of Bangkok, according to reports from the Associated Press and CBS News. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 7 July 2026 According to the Alamo, the two projectiles were found in adjacent excavation units outside the northeast corner of the Alamo Church and at nearly the same depth. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for excavation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excavation
  1. trench
  2. cave
  3. cavern
  4. burrow
  5. pit
  6. ditch
  7. cavity
  8. furrow
Noun
  • The incident happened after two trenches collapsed in Oakland County in the last 24 hours.
    — DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • All night long there was the ringing clatter of picks and shovels; the Germans were digging trenches in the frozen ground.
    — Vasily Grossman, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Definition of trench
Noun
  • With the tall ceilings, crisp air conditioning, and muted brown walls, the dining rooms give off a cave-like vibe.
    — Elliott Harrell, Southern Living, 12 July 2026
  • Take a boat tour of Kleftiko and Sykia sea cave, best seen from a private yacht charter.
    — Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
Definition of cave
Noun
  • Down a dark stairway is the murky world of Bronc’s Tack Room bar, a cavern with pool tables and the usual Stockyards amusements.
    — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 July 2026
  • To keep up, the property has opened a campsite adjacent to the caverns for RV camping, cabin camping, and classic tent camping.
    — Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 4 July 2026
Definition of cavern
Noun
  • Heavy rain can lead to flooding, and even minor floods can destroy outdoor habitats, like ant hills and rodent burrows.
    — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • Once hatched, the larvae burrow into the host and feed on its internal organs.
    — Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026
Definition of burrow
Noun
  • Gather around the smokeless fire pit for s’mores and storytelling, relax in a private hot tub or sauna, or take a dip in the cold-plunge pool.
    — Tree Meinch, Midwest Living, 11 July 2026
  • The available s’mores kits to enjoy by any of the three outdoor fire pits are great, too.
    — Jess Feldman, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026
Definition of pit
Noun
  • In August 1950 the area that came to be known as the Gaza Strip was cut off from the rest of Palestine by a ditch carved into the soil by a single-blade plough pulled by a tractor.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026
  • Some propose walls and ditches to keep people from migrating.
    — Cristina Dorador, The Dial, 14 July 2026
Definition of ditch
Noun
  • The companion Over-the-Range Microwave also includes Air Fry Max and boasts convection cooking, which circulates hot air throughout the cavity for faster and more even cooking.
    — Paul Lamkin, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • And cavity-nesting bees tended to be more magnetic than ground-nesting bees.
    — Laura Russo, The Conversation, 17 July 2026
Definition of cavity
Noun
  • In furrows of pain, The good now germinates.
    — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2026
  • Young olive trees have smooth, gray bark, while the bark develops interesting furrows as the plant ages.
    — Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 22 Apr. 2026
Definition of furrow

Browse Nearby Words

excavating
excavation
excavations
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Cite this Entry

“Excavation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excavation. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on excavation

Nglish: Translation of excavation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about excavation

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