EXPEL Synonyms: 111 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'expel' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of expel are eject , evict , and oust . While all these words mean "to drive or force out," expel stresses a thrusting out or driving away especially permanently which need not be physical. // a student expelled from college

Q: When would 'eject' be a good substitute for 'expel'?

While the synonyms eject and expel are close in meaning, eject carries an especially strong implication of throwing or thrusting out from within as a physical action. // ejected an obnoxious patron from the bar

Q: When could 'evict' be used to replace 'expel'?

The words evict and expel are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, evict chiefly applies to turning out of house and home. // evicted for nonpayment of rent

Q: When is it sensible to use 'oust' instead of 'expel'?

While in some cases nearly identical to expel , oust implies removal or dispossession by power of the law or by force or compulsion. // police ousted the squatters

expel

verb

ik-ˈspel

Definition of expel next

as in to eject

to drive or force out animal lover though I am, I was determined to expel the uninvited mouse from my room

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to cast

to throw or give off something in a wastebasket was expelling a foul odor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to erupt

to violently throw out or off (something from within) ringing and flashing madly, the slot machine expelled a bucketful of quarters

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to exhale

to let or force out of the lungs asked the patient to expel a deep breath

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb expel contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of expel are eject, evict, and oust. While all these words mean "to drive or force out," expel stresses a thrusting out or driving away especially permanently which need not be physical.

a student expelled from college

When would eject be a good substitute for expel?

While the synonyms eject and expel are close in meaning, eject carries an especially strong implication of throwing or thrusting out from within as a physical action.

ejected an obnoxious patron from the bar

When could evict be used to replace expel?

The words evict and expel are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, evict chiefly applies to turning out of house and home.

evicted for nonpayment of rent

When is it sensible to use oust instead of expel?

While in some cases nearly identical to expel, oust implies removal or dispossession by power of the law or by force or compulsion.

police ousted the squatters

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 expel Rockets generate propulsive force, also known as thrust, by expelling high-velocity exhaust in a rearward stream. —

Kai James, The Conversation, 26 May 2026 However, the legislation prohibits a student from being suspended or expelled solely for violations of the policy. —

Adam Thompson, CBS News, 26 May 2026 Middlesbrough had been beaten in the semi-finals by Southampton, but Tonda Eckert’s side were expelled from the play-offs after being found guilty by the English Football League (EFL) of spying on their opponents’ training sessions — and those of other Championship clubs this season, too. —

Tom Burrows, New York Times, 23 May 2026 Students also pointed out to the Republic that their class syllabi had strict rules about the use of AI in academic work; Reiner said students can be punished or expelled for it. —

Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for expel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expel

Verb

The passenger in the Land Rover, Fedeline Alexis Saint Cyr, 59, was ejected during the collision and pronounced dead at the scene.

— Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 2 June 2026
Zidane was ejected and France lost.

— Sam Knight, New Yorker, 1 June 2026