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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to cast

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

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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

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as in to exhale

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

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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

Example 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 About 5 percent of the state’s population — or about 1 million people — could be expelled under Trump’s mass deportation plans, according to a report released by a Washington think tank and immigration advocacy group. —

Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2025 The party has been forced to expel members for using racist and antisemitic language. —

Jim Tankersley, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025 The court awarded €20,000 ($21,000) in damages to a Turkish woman, identified only as A.R.E., who was expelled from Greece in 2019 without the chance to apply for asylum. —

Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025 The rebranding did not sit well with her father, whose inflammatory statements and sniping forced her to expel him from the party. —

Elizabeth Pineau and Marine Strauss, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for expel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expel

Verb

The crash occurred when the woman heading eastbound on South Brookville Drive near Hall Meadow Road drove onto the sidewalk on a curve and struck a tree, causing the vehicle to overturn and ejecting her, according to San Diego police.

— Gary Warth, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025
Fire officials said two people were ejected and located under one of the cars.

— Staff report, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2025