EXPEL Synonyms: 111 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'expel' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of expel are eject , evict , and oust . While all these words mean "to drive or force out," expel stresses a thrusting out or driving away especially permanently which need not be physical. // a student expelled from college

Q: When would 'eject' be a good substitute for 'expel'?

While the synonyms eject and expel are close in meaning, eject carries an especially strong implication of throwing or thrusting out from within as a physical action. // ejected an obnoxious patron from the bar

Q: When could 'evict' be used to replace 'expel'?

The words evict and expel are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, evict chiefly applies to turning out of house and home. // evicted for nonpayment of rent

Q: When is it sensible to use 'oust' instead of 'expel'?

While in some cases nearly identical to expel , oust implies removal or dispossession by power of the law or by force or compulsion. // police ousted the squatters

expel

verb

ik-ˈspel

Definition of expel next

as in to eject

to drive or force out animal lover though I am, I was determined to expel the uninvited mouse from my room

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to cast

to throw or give off something in a wastebasket was expelling a foul odor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to erupt

to violently throw out or off (something from within) ringing and flashing madly, the slot machine expelled a bucketful of quarters

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to exhale

to let or force out of the lungs asked the patient to expel a deep breath

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb expel contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of expel are eject, evict, and oust. While all these words mean "to drive or force out," expel stresses a thrusting out or driving away especially permanently which need not be physical.

a student expelled from college

When would eject be a good substitute for expel?

While the synonyms eject and expel are close in meaning, eject carries an especially strong implication of throwing or thrusting out from within as a physical action.

ejected an obnoxious patron from the bar

When could evict be used to replace expel?

The words evict and expel are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, evict chiefly applies to turning out of house and home.

evicted for nonpayment of rent

When is it sensible to use oust instead of expel?

While in some cases nearly identical to expel, oust implies removal or dispossession by power of the law or by force or compulsion.

police ousted the squatters

Examples 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 expel Others told it as a tale of the élite: the students who were found to be falling short would be quietly expelled so that the college could uphold its excellence in internal rankings. —

Daisy Hildyard, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024 Since announcing its independence from al-Qaeda, the group’s goals have been to topple Assad and expel Iran from the area in order to establish Islamic rule in Syria. —

Margie Cullen, USA TODAY, 8 Dec. 2024 Wei Fenghe was expelled from the Communist Party in June 2024 on charges of accepting bribes and abusing his authority for personal gain. —

Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024 While most Syrians are jubilant, including the millions of exiles who are beginning to find their way home from Lebanon, Turkey, and elsewhere, the fate of many Kurds expelled by Turkey previously from Afrin and other areas in the north is less certain. —

Natasha Hall, Foreign Affairs, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for expel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expel

Verb

He was also ejected for going at Draymond Green in a postseason game two years ago.

Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 25 Dec. 2024
The Eagles led 21-7 after the first quarter, the Commanders had five turnovers, an Eagles player was ejected for giving the crowd the bird and Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts had to leave the game with a concussion.

Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 24 Dec. 2024