as in to eradicate
to destroy all traces of
some priceless works of literature were swept away when the library at Alexandria burned
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sweep (away)
Verb
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Once established, the mollusks are extremely difficult to eradicate and can damage drinking water systems, irrigation infrastructure and hydroelectric facilities while disrupting native aquatic ecosystems.—
Reeti Malhotra,
Sacbee.com,
16 June 2026 -
Corruption scandals of the kind Milei vowed to eradicate upon taking office have struck a nerve against the backdrop of his efforts to defund education, health care and social assistance.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 June 2026
Verb
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These Knicks, who erased a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter against Cleveland in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, just don’t quit.—
Tim Reynolds,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
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The magic on the pitch during the World Cup has a way of erasing everything that happens off it – for better or worse.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
11 June 2026
Verb
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Calls for the Department of Homeland Security to be abolished and pushback on gang databases ignore the real threats to our communities.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
10 June 2026
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For example, Gonzales wants to abolish the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement.—
The Denver Post Editorial Board,
Denver Post,
9 June 2026
Verb
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Madeira is intentionally exposed to heat and oxygen during aging, something that would destroy most wines.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
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Terminix utilizes the advanced Sentricon baiting system alongside traditional liquid barriers to destroy subterranean colonies entirely.—
Nick Perry,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
Verb
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Back-to-back wars have wiped out a large chunk from the SPR.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
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If a major emergency wipes out a household's pet budget for the year, spending on training, grooming, nutrition or preventive services may be delayed.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Sweep (away).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sweep%20%28away%29. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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