shovel

Definition of shovelnext
as in to dig
to hollow out or form (something) by removing earth the troops quickly shoveled a trench

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 shovel Break Up the Soil Use a garden rake and shovel to remove weeds, rocks, and dead grass. David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 3 Apr. 2026 Multiple politicians from several countries are shoveling propaganda at an electorate in order to build terror of an enemy that doesn’t exist at all. Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026 Others volunteered to shovel the family’s walk. Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026 In total, the crews shoveled out about 90 tons of debris – roughly the weight of 18 elephants. Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shovel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shovel
Verb
  • But their shop is open, next to a new crater and a charred apartment building where workers are actively digging through rubble.
    Will Clark, NBC news, 20 Apr. 2026
  • In the wild, ants communicate via pheromones — chemical breadcrumbs that signal where to walk or where to dig.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The project, which was initially approved in 2001, involves clearing 65 acres of the landfill’s unused property and excavating 7 million cubic yards of dirt and rock to accommodate South Orange County’s waste disposal needs through 2102, extending the facility’s operating life by 50 years.
    Claire Wang, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Stern has dedicated his career to excavating the emotional landmines and complex origin stories that shape the lyrics, the songs, the chart-topping hits that land singers and songwriters into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
    Malina Saval, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Shovel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shovel. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.

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