Synonym Chooser

How does the verb extirpate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of extirpate are eradicate, exterminate, and uproot. While all these words mean "to effect the destruction or abolition of something," 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 is eradicate a more appropriate choice than extirpate?

Although the words eradicate and extirpate have much in common, eradicate implies the driving out or elimination of something that has established itself.

a campaign to eradicate illiteracy

When would exterminate be a good substitute for extirpate?

While in some cases nearly identical to extirpate, exterminate implies complete and immediate extinction by killing off all individuals.

exterminate cockroaches

When can uproot be used instead of extirpate?

The words uproot and extirpate 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

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 extirpate Leaders who attempt to take a moderate stance run the risk of being publicly lynched by those who insist that Chavismo is an evil that must be extirpated. Ivan Briscoe, Foreign Affairs, 2 July 2019 The species flourished after its chief predator, the grizzly, was extirpated there, in the early twentieth century. Paige Williams, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2024 Before then, gray wolves had been extirpated from the state since the 1920s. Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 21 Nov. 2024 Phil Beasley, Plantation The last straw was Oct. 7 Hamas must be extirpated from Gaza. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for extirpate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extirpate
Verb
  • In places where measles have largely been eradicated, cases have been spread by travelers from other countries.
    ASSOCIATED PRESS, TIME, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Or for whatever reason, your particular brand of BV or yeast may just need a stronger or longer dose of meds to eradicate.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The footage was erased but during an investigation the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau was able to recover it.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2025
  • However, the fact the show includes Laurie’s Christianity while simultaneously erasing a scene featuring a trans character hints at Disney’s embrace of a cultural shift towards traditional conservatism during the second Trump administration.
    Abby Monteil, Them, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the current administration under President Trump has moved to abolish federal DEI programs.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 28 Feb. 2025
  • That was weeks after the end of the U.S. Civil War but months before the 13th Amendment abolished slavery nationwide.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • This is a major U-turn from Riot, after completely revamping the rewards system at the start of the year and being destroyed by fans for it.
    Mike Stubbs, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Lost in a sea of ash: When wildfire destroys a home — and a loved one’s urn — the search begins.
    Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Extirpate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extirpate. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on extirpate

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