SWEEP (AWAY) Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

sweep (away)

verb

Definition of sweep (away)

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sweep (away)

Verb

Community meetings focus on eradicating the homeless and protecting property values rather than supporting neighbors or providing shelter.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2026
Back then, researchers were focused on eradicating the New World screwworm, a nasty pest that lays its eggs in wounds on living creatures.

— Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of eradicate

Verb

These actions further erase and invalidate the contributions of women, Black service members and other service members of color.

— Jeremiah Favara, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026
Turn To Natural Repellants Natural repellants can erase the pheromone scent trails left behind, which can attract more beetles.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of erase

Verb

Continue reading … CAT FIGHT — Kitten rescue defends ‘NO F---ING MAGA’ adoption policy as PETA calls for it to be abolished.

— , FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED) said 165 permanent positions were abolished outright, with more than 1,000 workers anticipated to be furloughed by mid-November.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of abolish

Verb

The two once presented a live demo minutes after a computer cloud crash wiped out their materials, winning anyway after Andreou pitched the product entirely from memory.

— Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 27 June 2026
Widespread flooding across Kentucky has left at least four dead Saturday, prompting dozens of rescues after heavy rains wiped out bridges, inundated roads and flooded homes, with more significant rainfall on the way.

— Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 27 June 2026

Definition of wipe out

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.

Browse Nearby Words

sweep

sweep (away)

sweeping

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Sweep (away).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sweep%20%28away%29. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of sweep (away)

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

confabulate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 25

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes