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
This island in the river’s North Branch had been created by a canal, originally excavated to dig up clay for making bricks.
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Robert Loerzel, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
The enthusiasts reported the discovery to authorities, and the Treasure Trove Unit of the National Museums Scotland began excavating, eventually uncovering more than about 11 pounds of silver, gold and other materials, buried in several packages.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2025
But Mayhem is about using music as archeology to excavate unruly parts of one’s own identity.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025
Although the hoard was excavated by Durham University archaeologists the year after, the contents were unknown until this week.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for excavate
Robert Loerzel, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
The enthusiasts reported the discovery to authorities, and the Treasure Trove Unit of the National Museums Scotland began excavating, eventually uncovering more than about 11 pounds of silver, gold and other materials, buried in several packages.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2025
But Mayhem is about using music as archeology to excavate unruly parts of one’s own identity.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025
Although the hoard was excavated by Durham University archaeologists the year after, the contents were unknown until this week.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for excavate
Cite this Entry
“Excavate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excavate. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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