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

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to cast

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

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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

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as in to exhale

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

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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 Mary can see how worried her sister looks and sits by her while… her mother expels another human being from her body, behind the very thin curtain just a few feet away. — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 11 July 2026 The criticism prompted Riyadh to expel Canada’s ambassador, suspend new trade and investment and recall thousands of Saudi students. — ABC News, 9 July 2026 The day of the cyber attack, Yazbak said the Department of Administrative Services expelled the attacker from the state’s systems. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026 Our previous Representative in Congress, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick had to resign hours before being expelled by her colleagues on both sides of the aisle for fraud. — Elijah Manley, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for expel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expel

Verb

Hull said the bullet had not been fired and was ejected from an officer’s rifle and that the other people interviewed had been cleared by investigators.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Giants manager Tony Vitello came out to argue the call and was ejected by plate umpire Lance Barksdale, the second ejection this season for the first-year skipper.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026

Definition of eject

Verb

The apartment vacancy rate and declining price in townhomes and condominiums have some people casting a wary eye on the health of the housing market.

— Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2026
Nolan recalled facing similar skepticism before The Dark Knight, particularly after the late Heath Ledger was cast as the Joker.

— Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2026

Definition of cast

Verb

Spontaneous applause erupted — and even some tears were shed — at the battered parking structure where Gil had been entombed since the two temblors struck within seconds of each other on June 24.

— Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Anyone who thinks that the differences between these sects are minor is invited to read about the wars, massacres and persecutions that erupted between them in the 16th and 17th centuries.

— Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Definition of erupt

Verb

The front office and fan base of Tampa Bay could exhale when Caminero’s X-ray came back negative.

— Andy McCullough, New York Times, 15 July 2026
Researchers have since linked the practice to lower cortisol, lower blood pressure and a measurable lift in mood, partly credited to phytoncides, the aromatic compounds trees exhale.

— David Hochman, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of exhale

Verb

The spacecraft is due to launch in October and, if successful, will demonstrate the ability to radiate heat efficiently and run useful workloads for customers, Johnston said.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026
Besides, Beckham practically radiates the sort of star power that dispenses with the need for endless chatter; like Michael Jordan in his Hanes/Space Jam heyday, his physical presence takes precedent over the usual run of blunt-force loquacity.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of radiate

Verb

Here, Vater and Mary Phillips, Head of Native Plant Habitat Strategy/Certifications at the National Wildlife Federation, share all the details on the right time (and right way) to banish your weeds—and keep them at bay during your next vacation.

— Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 12 July 2026
Mary appears to have a form of treatment-resistant schizophrenia, until chemotherapy, following a diagnosis of lymphoma, banishes her psychiatric symptoms.

— Julia M. Klein, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Definition of banish

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“Expel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expel. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of expel

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