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

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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 of eradicate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Despite this, a trend of businesses and schools significantly or completely eradicating their DEI initiatives has become prevalent in 2024. —

Andrea Carter, The Conversation, 3 Sep. 2024 But the families of the hostages, like Jewish voters and any other group, are not monolithic about their views on a two-state solution or an effort to eradicate Hamas to try to ensure an attack like that which occurred on Oct. 7 never happens again. —

Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2024 For decades, Gaza was an area where polio was considered to be eradicated. —

Abdallah Fayyad, Vox, 1 Sep. 2024 Because of the difficulty of eradicating infectious diseases, vaccines will always be needed. —

Gregory A. Poland, STAT, 14 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for eradicate

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'eradicate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.