Synonyms of uproot

uproot

verb

(ˌ)əp-ˈrüt 

as in to pry

to draw out by force or with effort

uprooted the old bridge's pilings upon the completion of its replacement

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pry
• pull
• yank
• extract
• pluck
• remove
• tear (out)
• wrest
• prize
• take (out)
• root (out)
• wring
• withdraw
• corkscrew
• mine

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• install
• insert
• instill
• implant
• stuff
• ram
• jam
• cram
• wedge

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb uproot differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of uproot are eradicate, exterminate, and extirpate. While all these words mean "to effect the destruction or abolition of something," uproot implies a forcible or violent removal and stresses displacement or dislodgment rather than immediate destruction.

the war uprooted thousands

In what contexts can eradicate take the place of uproot?

While in some cases nearly identical to uproot, eradicate implies the driving out or elimination of something that has established itself.

a campaign to eradicate illiteracy

When is it sensible to use exterminate instead of uproot?

The words exterminate and uproot can be used in similar contexts, but exterminate implies complete and immediate extinction by killing off all individuals.

exterminate cockroaches

When would extirpate be a good substitute for uproot?

The synonyms extirpate and uproot are sometimes interchangeable, but extirpate implies extinction of a race, family, species, or sometimes an idea or doctrine by destruction or removal of its means of propagation.

many species have been extirpated from the area

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of uproot

Henry lived like a guest in the house, uprooted and transplanted again. —Emily Everett, New York Times, 2 May 2025

Through off-screen machinations, Kate also uprooted young Henry — who was probably doing really well in Madre Linda — and plopped him into their life. —Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2025

Large populations, sometimes entire cities, were uprooted, evacuated, or killed by paramilitaries, secret police, and troops. —Antony Beevor, Foreign Affairs, 7 May 2025

At least three tornadoes were spotted in Oklahoma and Missouri on April 29, uprooting trees and damaging outbuildings in Tulsa, according to preliminary reports. —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 1 May 2025