as in to dig
to hollow out or form (something) by removing earth
workmen are excavating a long tunnel that will eventually replace the aboveground expressway
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Recent Examples of excavate
Scientists have demonstrated that an ancient human skull excavated from a tomb at Ephesos was not that of Arsinoë IV, half-sister to Cleopatra VII.
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Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 13 Jan. 2025
The cemetery contains approximately 200 graves, with 12 excavated so far, dating back to the fifth and sixth centuries.
—Flynn Nicholls, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
At the dig site associated with Ramses, researchers excavated cow and fish bones, scarab jewelry, and engraved weapons.
—Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Dec. 2024
This video, posted to X by the National Police, reportedly shows officials excavating the areas.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for excavate 
Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 13 Jan. 2025
The cemetery contains approximately 200 graves, with 12 excavated so far, dating back to the fifth and sixth centuries.
—Flynn Nicholls, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
At the dig site associated with Ramses, researchers excavated cow and fish bones, scarab jewelry, and engraved weapons.
—Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Dec. 2024
This video, posted to X by the National Police, reportedly shows officials excavating the areas.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for excavate
Thesaurus Entries Near excavate
Cite this Entry
“Excavate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excavate. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.
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