Synonyms of expunge

expunge

verb

ik-ˈspənj 

as in to erase

to destroy all traces of

time and the weather have expunged any evidence that a thriving community once existed here

Synonyms & Similar Words

• erase
• eradicate
• abolish
• destroy
• obliterate
• efface
• exterminate
• annihilate
• cancel
• liquidate
• extirpate
• wipe out
• sweep (away)
• demolish
• shatter
• clean (up)
• stamp (out)
• blot out
• kill
• dismantle
• discard
• ruin
• root (out)
• snuff (out)
• rub out
• consume
• black out
• devastate
• flatten
• ravage
• decimate
• dissolve
• expel
• wreck
• fragment
• waste
• tear down
• eject
• mow (down)
• smash
• devour
• finish
• raze
• terminate
• powder
• total
• dash
• excise
• oust
• kill off
• blow up
• jettison
• pulverize
• atomize
• ditch
• doom
• blast
• zap
• throw out
• cut
• dynamite
• splinter

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• preserve
• protect
• save
• conserve
• create
• build
• make
• construct
• form
• manufacture
• shape
• restore
• fabricate
• forge
• reconstruct
• renew
• frame
• rebuild
• repair
• fix
• patch
• fashion
• mend
• renovate
• recondition
• revamp

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of expunge

With Ukraine busy expunging Russian cultural influences, and cities and towns removing Russian historical and literary figures’ statues and street names, the idea of a new program focused on Ukraine’s former imperial master raised eyebrows. — Howard Lafranchi, Christian Science Monitor, 27 June 2026

However, there have been many more attempts to distort and expunge Black history. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 19 June 2026

Forty-five people were expunged with their criminal records because of the Soul Kitchen. — Jeff Nelson, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026

The irony, of course, is Arnold has done his best to expunge his own personal history. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026

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