UNLOAD Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

unload

verb

ˌən-ˈlōd

Definition of unload

as in to unpack

to empty or rid of cargo the dockworkers unloaded the ship

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to dump

to get rid of as useless or unwanted I can't seem to unload this old car—even the charities won't take it!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 unload Crews have been seen unloading equipment from trucks this week — much of it covered or obscured — and barricades have been placed near the perimeter of the arena. — ABC News, 2 July 2026 As dozens of delivery trucks unloaded decor outside of MSG, there was speculation that Swift and Kelce were building a castle inside of the venue. — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026 The World Liberty tokens that Sun may have sought to unload have plunged in value by more than eighty per cent, to less than six cents each. — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 2 July 2026 Frenzied speculation around the wedding has built for weeks, intensifying in recent days as crews have been seen unloading equipment from trucks, including a large carpet. — Jake Offenhartz, Fortune, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unload

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unload

Verb

Tijssen then led guests on a walkthrough of the installations, unpacking how artificial intelligence, sound design and generative visuals work together to keep the show’s audiovisual landscape in constant flux.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 July 2026
There are also many active travelers who relish packing and unpacking just once.

— Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of unpack

Verb

The Category 4 storm brought 140 mph winds and a 15-foot storm surge to parts of the Gulf Coast before combining with a separate system, dumping over 30 inches of rain in parts of North Carolina over the span of a few days.

— Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Add three-quarters of the celery mixture to the potatoes and marinating liquid, dump in the mayo dressing, and gently stir to combine.

— Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026

Definition of dump

Verb

The air was already clearing by the time the stadium was evacuated.

— Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
The Secret Service said earlier this evening that all attendees who evacuated the venue due to orders to shelter from approaching severe storms would have to go through security screenings again.

— Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026

Definition of evacuate

Verb

That book is a revenge fantasy about the former art school professor who seduced her, discarded her and destroyed her confidence as a painter.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 2 July 2026
One of the most direct things people can do is avoid flushing or discarding unused medications down the sink or toilet!

— Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of discard

Verb

He was locked up in BSO’s main jail in Fort Lauderdale after he was discharged from the hospital.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
On Monday, July 6, the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office announced that the 10-year-old girl and an 18-year-old male were discharged from the hospital on July 5.

— Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

Definition of discharge

Verb

The team is unburdened by identity, so Haaland has been free to create it.

— Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 30 June 2026
The 19-year-old Russian is the favorite given her form, but Krejčíková, 30, is a fearsome opponent on grass and will enter the match unburdened by pressure.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 30 June 2026

Definition of unburden

Verb

The Department of Homeland Security spokesperson previously told The Times that a child attached to a parent’s immigration case does not lose the claim upon turning 18, but said that a pending asylum application doesn’t confer legal status.

— Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
After rallying from a five-run deficit in the seventh inning to tie the score, the Angels ended up losing anyway, falling to the Texas Rangers, 7-6, when right-hander Kirby Yates gave up a run in the bottom of the ninth on Thursday night.

— Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 10 July 2026

Definition of lose

Browse Nearby Words

unlivable

unload

unloaded

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Style

“Unload.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unload. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of unload

verb

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