UPROOT Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 But for this to happen, the Maduro regime—which exceeds Maduro himself—would have to be completely uprooted. —

Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 7 Jan. 2026 Abel took a job at PwC, and after uprooting from his hometown to the company’s San Francisco office, began working with geothermal business CalEnergy as a client. —

Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Jan. 2026 Thousands of residents and buildings are being uprooted in Kiruna, a city that lies 145 kilometers (90 miles) north of the Arctic Circle. —

Sam Meredith, CNBC, 29 Dec. 2025 Hendry said the current political climate of New York isn’t forcing police officers to uproot their lives. —

Mark Morales, CNN Money, 27 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for uproot

Recent Examples of Synonyms for uproot

Verb

Environmental justice and conservation advocates’ push to advance a bill aimed at strengthening California’s Environmental Quality Act stalled, as the measure was pulled from Monday’s hearing agenda.

— Chaewon Chung Updated January 12, Sacbee.com, 13 Jan. 2026
McHale hosted from 2004 to 2015, pulling double duty during the latter half of his time there with his role as Jeff Winger on Community.

— Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026