ERADICATE Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'eradicate' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of eradicate are exterminate , extirpate , and uproot . While all these words mean "to effect the destruction or abolition of something," eradicate implies the driving out or elimination of something that has established itself. // a campaign to eradicate illiteracy

Q: In what contexts can 'exterminate' take the place of 'eradicate'?

Although the words exterminate and eradicate have much in common, exterminate implies complete and immediate extinction by killing off all individuals. // exterminate cockroaches

Q: When is it sensible to use 'extirpate' instead of 'eradicate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to eradicate , 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

Q: When can 'uproot' be used instead of 'eradicate'?

The words uproot and eradicate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, uproot implies a forcible or violent removal and stresses displacement or dislodgment rather than immediate destruction. // the war uprooted thousands

eradicate

verb

i-ˈra-də-ˌkāt

Definition of eradicate next

as in to erase

to destroy all traces of the successful effort to eradicate smallpox around the globe

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb eradicate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of eradicate are exterminate, extirpate, and uproot. While all these words mean "to effect the destruction or abolition of something," eradicate implies the driving out or elimination of something that has established itself.

a campaign to eradicate illiteracy

In what contexts can exterminate take the place of eradicate?

Although the words exterminate and eradicate have much in common, exterminate implies complete and immediate extinction by killing off all individuals.

exterminate cockroaches

When is it sensible to use extirpate instead of eradicate?

While in some cases nearly identical to eradicate, 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

When can uproot be used instead of eradicate?

The words uproot and eradicate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, uproot implies a forcible or violent removal and stresses displacement or dislodgment rather than immediate destruction.

the war uprooted thousands

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of eradicate The film became a catalyst for change in India and was used as part of the government’s campaign to eradicate ODF. —

Birgit Skarstein, TIME, 16 Jan. 2025 On a mission to eradicate the toil and gamble of online reviews, FeedMe acts as a ‘flavor GPS,’ guiding users directly to dishes that match their taste, dietary requirements, and location. —

Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2025 Israel then vowed to eradicate Hamas and have since devastated the Palestinian territory. —

John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025 How The Decline In Cases Was Achieved The key to eradicating Guinea worm is providing access to clean water without the crustaceans. —

Mark Kortepeter, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for eradicate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for eradicate

Verb

President Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship threatens to erase the futures of countless children—children whose potential will go untapped, whose contributions to art, science, and justice might never be realized.

— Paola Mendoza, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025
Despite that, Djokovic played well enough to erase a deficit and overcome Alcaraz in four sets.

— Howard Fendrich, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025