elimination

noun

elim·​i·​na·​tion i-ˌli-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce elimination (audio)
often attributive
Synonyms of eliminationnext
: the act, process, or an instance of eliminating or discharging: such as
a
: the act of discharging or excreting waste products from the body
b
: the removal from a molecule of the constituents of a simpler molecule
ethylene is formed by the elimination of water from ethanol
compare addition sense 4

Examples of elimination in a Sentence

the elimination of waste products from the body
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The mid-year cuts involving the elimination of 365 jobs, about 85% of them vacant and more than half in county health care. Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026 Jackson proposes the elimination of voter registration and suggests people, instead, show their birth certificates to prove their age. Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026 Before it was delivered, Banks and Richardson began talking over each other as Banks questioned Richardson’s reaction to her elimination. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 17 Feb. 2026 The positions listed for elimination ranged from instructional aides, food service assistants, occupational therapists, child care attendants, security officers, and more. Noe Padilla, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elimination

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of elimination was circa 1631

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elimination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elimination. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

elimination

noun
elim·​i·​na·​tion i-ˌlim-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce elimination (audio)
: the act or process of eliminating or emptying: as
a
: the act of excreting or emptying waste products from the body
b
: the act or process of excluding from a match, game, or contest the losers of any round or heat

Medical Definition

elimination

noun
elim·​i·​na·​tion i-ˌlim-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce elimination (audio)
1
: the act of discharging or excreting waste products or foreign substances from the body
2
eliminations plural : bodily discharges including urine, feces, and vomit
3
: the removal from a molecule of the constituents of a simpler molecule
ethylene is formed by the elimination of water from ethanol
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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