elimination

noun

elim·​i·​na·​tion i-ˌli-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce elimination (audio)
Synonyms of eliminationnext
often attributive
: the act, process, or an instance of eliminating or discharging: such as
a
: the act of discharging or excreting waste products from the body
b
: the removal from a molecule of the constituents of a simpler molecule
ethylene is formed by the elimination of water from ethanol
compare addition sense 4

Examples of elimination in a Sentence

the elimination of waste products from the body
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Kofi Kingston performed a vintage elimination save spot with help from Prince Nana as the two wheelbarrowed back into the ring. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 The elimination of those limits could fuel a bigger onslaught of election ads if broadcasters are forced to offer their lowest ad rates to parties and committees. — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026 Those reforms from Meta, which runs Facebook and Instagram, include two-hour daily time limits for children, elimination of push notifications during school hours and other content controls. — Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 27 Aug. 2026 Here’s a bid, though, applying the above trends — in an elimination-style scientific method — to pick the next recipient. — Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elimination

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of elimination was circa 1631

Phrases Containing elimination

Rhymes for elimination

See All Rhymes for elimination

Browse Nearby Words

eliminate
elimination
eliminator
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elimination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elimination. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

elimination

noun
elim·​i·​na·​tion i-ˌlim-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce elimination (audio)
: the act or process of eliminating or emptying: as
a
: the act of excreting or emptying waste products from the body
b
: the act or process of excluding from a match, game, or contest the losers of any round or heat

Medical Definition

elimination

noun
elim·​i·​na·​tion i-ˌlim-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce elimination (audio)
1
: the act of discharging or excreting waste products or foreign substances from the body
2
eliminations plural : bodily discharges including urine, feces, and vomit
3
: the removal from a molecule of the constituents of a simpler molecule
ethylene is formed by the elimination of water from ethanol

More from Merriam-Webster on elimination

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for elimination

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about elimination

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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