shovel

verb

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 Rocky’s job of the day turned out to be shoveling the steps and sidewalks of the church, which was on a corner lot and had about a block’s length of sidewalk. — Tom Drury, Harpers Magazine, 29 Sep. 2026 Locals and government officials were clearing debris and shoveling thick mud coating much of the town. — Eugene Garcia, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026 Several parody videos of people shoveling dessert into their mouths also circulated on social media. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 25 Sep. 2026 Moments after an incredibly warm greeting, Quinn shoveled coal into the flames and stuck an iron in the forge. — Sarah Wood González, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shovel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shovel
  1. dig
  2. excavate
Verb
  • Within two years, an initial examination determined the meteorite hailed from Mars; scientists are now finally digging deeper, with stunning results.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The Bulls dug too deep of a deficit in the first quarter to overcome, but their insistence on pursuing second-chance opportunities buoyed an outmatched roster to win the second half, accounting for 25 of the team’s point total.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of dig
Verb
  • Fidan’s team has spent over five years excavating sections of the mound.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Auction houses counter that private investment helps fund the expensive work of excavating, preserving, and studying specimens.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of excavate

Browse Nearby Words

shoved (off)
shovel
shoveled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shovel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shovel. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on shovel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shovel

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