EXPEL Synonyms: 111 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'expel' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of expel are eject , evict , and oust . While all these words mean "to drive or force out," expel stresses a thrusting out or driving away especially permanently which need not be physical. // a student expelled from college

Q: When would 'eject' be a good substitute for 'expel'?

While the synonyms eject and expel are close in meaning, eject carries an especially strong implication of throwing or thrusting out from within as a physical action. // ejected an obnoxious patron from the bar

Q: When could 'evict' be used to replace 'expel'?

The words evict and expel are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, evict chiefly applies to turning out of house and home. // evicted for nonpayment of rent

Q: When is it sensible to use 'oust' instead of 'expel'?

While in some cases nearly identical to expel , oust implies removal or dispossession by power of the law or by force or compulsion. // police ousted the squatters

expel

verb

ik-ˈspel

Definition of expel next

as in to eject

to drive or force out animal lover though I am, I was determined to expel the uninvited mouse from my room

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to cast

to throw or give off something in a wastebasket was expelling a foul odor

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as in to erupt

to violently throw out or off (something from within) ringing and flashing madly, the slot machine expelled a bucketful of quarters

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as in to exhale

to let or force out of the lungs asked the patient to expel a deep breath

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb expel contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of expel are eject, evict, and oust. While all these words mean "to drive or force out," expel stresses a thrusting out or driving away especially permanently which need not be physical.

a student expelled from college

When would eject be a good substitute for expel?

While the synonyms eject and expel are close in meaning, eject carries an especially strong implication of throwing or thrusting out from within as a physical action.

ejected an obnoxious patron from the bar

When could evict be used to replace expel?

The words evict and expel are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, evict chiefly applies to turning out of house and home.

evicted for nonpayment of rent

When is it sensible to use oust instead of expel?

While in some cases nearly identical to expel, oust implies removal or dispossession by power of the law or by force or compulsion.

police ousted the squatters

Examples 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 expel Canada and India have expelled top diplomats from each other's countries over the allegations, which Indian officials deny. —

Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024 Advertisement The student was expelled by Ratnesar on Oct. 1 over two email exchanges with a classmate. —

Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024 However, until May 2023, the Biden administration maintained the Trump administration’s Covid-era Title 42 policy that typically permitted border personnel to expel people who crossed the border without allowing an asylum claim. —

Stuart Anderson, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 India denies the interference allegations and expelled six Canadian diplomats in a tit-for-tat move. —

Reuters, NBC News, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for expel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expel

Verb

His win completes one of the most remarkable comebacks in political history, just four years after voters ejected him from the office.

Lawrence Andrea, Journal Sentinel, 20 Nov. 2024
Advertisement Consider: Rams star receiver Puka Nacua was ejected for punching a Seahawks player after an interception.

Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024