Synonyms of uproot

uproot

verb

(ˌ)əp-ˈrüt 

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

• pry
• pull
• yank
• extract
• pluck
• remove
• tear (out)
• wrest
• prize
• take (out)
• root (out)
• wring
• withdraw
• corkscrew
• mine

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• install
• insert
• instill
• implant
• stuff
• ram
• jam
• cram
• wedge

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of uproot

So in 2022, the couple divided the lot, sold the Craftsman, and uprooted the garden to make way for a 1,256-square-foot, three-bedroom house on one level. —The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2025

There were offers, but Sanford didn’t want to uproot the family again. —Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 3 Mar. 2025

When guests arrive in town with a plan that will uproot Junie’s life, her act of desperation wakes Minnie’s spirit from the grave, also unveiling horrifying secrets about Bellereine. —Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025

In all, over three days, this cross-country storm fanned wildfires, dust storms and created tornadoes that destroyed neighborhoods, uprooted trees and downed power lines from the central US through the South. —Mary Gilbert, CNN, 22 Mar. 2025