Synonym Chooser

How does the verb extirpate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of extirpate are eradicate, exterminate, and uproot. While all these words mean "to effect the destruction or abolition of something," extirpate implies extinction of a race, family, species, or sometimes an idea or doctrine by destruction or removal of its means of propagation.

many species have been extirpated from the area

When is eradicate a more appropriate choice than extirpate?

Although the words eradicate and extirpate have much in common, eradicate implies the driving out or elimination of something that has established itself.

a campaign to eradicate illiteracy

When would exterminate be a good substitute for extirpate?

While in some cases nearly identical to extirpate, exterminate implies complete and immediate extinction by killing off all individuals.

exterminate cockroaches

When can uproot be used instead of extirpate?

The words uproot and extirpate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, uproot implies a forcible or violent removal and stresses displacement or dislodgment rather than immediate destruction.

the war uprooted thousands

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 extirpate Wolves were extirpated in California in the 1920s and only recently began to rebound. Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2025 To extirpate mountain lions from their farms, settlers used a combination of poison, which would have killed not only pumas but other smaller potential predators, and lioneros—experts at hunting down and killing pumas. Joshua Rapp Learn, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025 The first wolf to be spotted in California since the apex predators were extirpated in the 1920s arrived 13 years ago. Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2024 The species flourished after its chief predator, the grizzly, was extirpated there, in the early twentieth century. Paige Williams, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for extirpate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extirpate
Verb
  • But advocates say eradicating the Iranian nuclear threat and weakening the regime is in America's national interests because Tehran is a significant destabilizing force in the Middle East, where the United States has key allies and partners, such as Israel and Qatar.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
  • Although the red autumn fruits with yellow casings make a lovely Thanksgiving wreath, this woody vine is difficult to manage and eradicate.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • But the suddenly lukewarm Rockies, who seemed primed to erase the 2024 Sox from the record books, entered Wednesday’s game against Washington with a three-game win streak and a 7-7 record in their last 14 games.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025
  • Clark tried to erase the memories of his disappointment at Oakmont with an opening round 6-under 64 on Thursday, putting him tied for second in the early afternoon.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • About 7 of every 10 Republicans wouldn't abolish ICE, while about half of Democrats would.
    Jim Sergent, USA Today, 14 June 2025
  • The Japanese legislature is preparing to abolish this entanglement and simply allow princesses to stay royal regardless of the status of their spouse.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • Kanye West fired multiple PR firms before his antisemitic meltdowns destroyed billion-dollar partnerships with Adidas and Gap.
    Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Indeterminate numbers of casualties have occurred in both Iran and Israel, though Israel's intentions to destroy Iran's nuclear capabilities may require U.S. artillery aid in the form of multi-ton bunker buster bombs.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Extirpate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extirpate. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

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