UPROOT Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of uproot are eradicate , exterminate , and extirpate . While all these words mean "to effect the destruction or abolition of something," uproot implies a forcible or violent removal and stresses displacement or dislodgment rather than immediate destruction. // the war uprooted thousands

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

While in some cases nearly identical to uproot , eradicate implies the driving out or elimination of something that has established itself. // a campaign to eradicate illiteracy

Q: When is it sensible to use 'exterminate' instead of 'uproot'?

The words exterminate and uproot can be used in similar contexts, but exterminate implies complete and immediate extinction by killing off all individuals. // exterminate cockroaches

Q: When would 'extirpate' be a good substitute for 'uproot'?

The synonyms extirpate and uproot are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

uproot

verb

(ˌ)əp-ˈrüt

Definition of uproot next

as in to pry

to draw out by force or with effort uprooted the old bridge's pilings upon the completion of its replacement

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb uproot differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of uproot are eradicate, exterminate, and extirpate. While all these words mean "to effect the destruction or abolition of something," uproot implies a forcible or violent removal and stresses displacement or dislodgment rather than immediate destruction.

the war uprooted thousands

In what contexts can eradicate take the place of uproot?

While in some cases nearly identical to uproot, eradicate implies the driving out or elimination of something that has established itself.

a campaign to eradicate illiteracy

When is it sensible to use exterminate instead of uproot?

The words exterminate and uproot can be used in similar contexts, but exterminate implies complete and immediate extinction by killing off all individuals.

exterminate cockroaches

When would extirpate be a good substitute for uproot?

The synonyms extirpate and uproot are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

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 uproot And many charities help people uprooted by calamities. —

Christopher Flavelle, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025 As blazes rage across the Southland, those uprooted by the wildfires that have devastated some of the wealthiest enclaves of Los Angeles — in the Pacific Palisades and Malibu — are desperately looking for a new place to settle down. —

Hadley Meares, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2025 But by late afternoon, a federal judge temporarily blocked the push from Trump to pause federal funding while his administration conducts an across-the-board ideological review to uproot progressive initiatives. —

Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 28 Jan. 2025 The majority of the trees that toppled onto the capital city were healthy, uprooted by heavy rainfall and strong winds. —

The Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Bee, 26 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for uproot

Recent Examples of Synonyms for uproot

Verb

Brands began to pull together resources to support refugees.

— Stephan Rabimov, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023
The 13-minute performance will likely call for a healthy dose of vibrant, colored lighting to pull it all together.

— Kelly Allen, House Beautiful, 10 Feb. 2023