What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
extirpate
Example
The government is working to extirpate the invasive species from the ecosystem. [extirpate: verb]
Example
The new policy aims to extirpate corruption from the system. [extirpate: verb]
eliminate
Example
The company is taking steps to eliminate waste and reduce its carbon footprint. [eliminate: verb]
Example
The team was eliminated from the tournament after losing in the quarterfinals. [eliminated: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Eliminate is more commonly used than extirpate in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between extirpate and eliminate?
Extirpate has a more formal and technical connotation than eliminate, which is more commonly used in informal and formal contexts.
