ERADICATE Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'eradicate' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of eradicate are exterminate , extirpate , and uproot . While all these words mean "to effect the destruction or abolition of something," eradicate implies the driving out or elimination of something that has established itself. // a campaign to eradicate illiteracy

Q: In what contexts can 'exterminate' take the place of 'eradicate'?

Although the words exterminate and eradicate have much in common, exterminate implies complete and immediate extinction by killing off all individuals. // exterminate cockroaches

Q: When is it sensible to use 'extirpate' instead of 'eradicate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to eradicate , 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

Q: When can 'uproot' be used instead of 'eradicate'?

The words uproot and eradicate 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

eradicate

verb

i-ˈra-də-ˌkāt

Definition of eradicate next

as in to erase

to destroy all traces of the successful effort to eradicate smallpox around the globe

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb eradicate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of eradicate are exterminate, extirpate, and uproot. While all these words mean "to effect the destruction or abolition of something," eradicate implies the driving out or elimination of something that has established itself.

a campaign to eradicate illiteracy

In what contexts can exterminate take the place of eradicate?

Although the words exterminate and eradicate have much in common, exterminate implies complete and immediate extinction by killing off all individuals.

exterminate cockroaches

When is it sensible to use extirpate instead of eradicate?

While in some cases nearly identical to eradicate, 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 can uproot be used instead of eradicate?

The words uproot and eradicate 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

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Recent Examples of eradicate Make sure to thoroughly clean the top, bottom, and between slats (if there's room) to eradicate all the gunk that may cause a sour smell or a slippery, dangerous surface. —

Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 12 May 2026 What’s worse, these wood-destroying insects can be hard to spot and are famously challenging to eradicate. —

Dan Simms, USA Today, 12 May 2026 Teammates don’t want Rushing to eradicate his competitiveness. —

Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 8 May 2026 Israel's retaliation in Gaza, the deadliest war in Palestinian history, did not eradicate Hamas, and its wars targeting Iran's leadership and the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon left both standing. —

Daniel Estrin, NPR, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for eradicate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for eradicate

Verb

Ranger Suarez’s streak of 19 consecutive scoreless innings came to an end in a long bottom of the first in which the Kansas City Royals instantly erased a 1-0 Boston Red Sox lead.

— Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 20 May 2026
Another benefit of the finale was that any reference to that era was all but erased short of a single Soldier Boy name-drop.

— Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026