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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But screening for latent TB — with treatment that can last up to nine months to fully eradicate the bacteria — is an expensive endeavor with a low payoff, considering that only 5% of people with latent TB will develop into an active case.—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
9 Mar. 2026 -
If the name isn't enough to deter you, Langelo warns that bishop's weed (Aegopodium podagraria) is an extremely aggressive grower that is challenging to eradicate.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Red Raiders erase a 21-point deficit.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
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When young mice that were housed with older mice were given antibiotics, however, the effect was erased.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Front and rear wings are simplified, and the sport’s controversial Drag Reduction System (DRS)—long considered to create artificial overtaking—has been abolished.—
Brad Spurgeon,
Robb Report,
9 Mar. 2026
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In Steven Spielberg's historical drama, which focuses on Lincoln's final months working to abolish slavery via the 13th Amendment, Day-Lewis uncannily looks the part and also fills it with grace and gravitas.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The port has already planted acres of mangroves and sea grass and donated the land to the state of Florida to offset the habitat that would be destroyed during dredging.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Mar. 2026
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The reasons for this cautious response are many, ranging from the precarious diplomatic implications of the conflict, disruptions to its energy security, and the embarrassing implications of allowing an ally to be destroyed.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Show-Me state has two Democrats in Congress and four Republicans, and a map Trump posted on social media would wipe out one Democratic seat.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
1 Sep. 2025
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The Buckeyes benefited from a pair of penalties, including a face mask call on Colin Simmons that wiped out an incomplete pass on third-and-4.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Aug. 2025
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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 13 Mar. 2026.
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