evacuate

verb

i-ˈva-kyə-ˌwāt How to pronounce evacuate (audio)
Definition of evacuatenext
as in to empty
to remove the contents of evacuate the cupboards completely before spraying the insecticide

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 evacuate Twelve families were evacuated after their homes were damaged either by flying debris or the loss of roofs. — Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026 The Hemford Circle home was evacuated, and officers tried to communicate with the suspect to deescalate the situation, according to the Police Department. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Some residents in Broad Ripple, Rocky Ripple and Ravenswood even had to evacuate due to the high water levels. — Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 27 Aug. 2026 The fire destroyed a home and several buildings and forced thousands of people to evacuate. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for evacuate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evacuate
  1. empty
  2. vacate
  3. clear
  4. clean
Verb
  • Beginning in 1908, after federal prisons opened in Atlanta, Georgia, and Leavenworth, Kansas, most federal prisoners were sent to these new federal prisons, and cells began to empty at the West Virginia state penitentiary.
    — Ella Siegrist, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026
  • My biggest gripe with this cleaner concerns emptying the debris basket.
    — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of empty
Verb
  • The team added more than 40 newcomers to the roster, including Georgia Southern transfer JC French IV, who steps into the starting spot vacated by Sorsby.
    — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Carter’s preliminary hearing was initially scheduled on June 6, but it was vacated and rescheduled last week.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of vacate
Verb
  • The penalties are a key point because, though the judge could clear the players to be eligible, a school may still be reluctant to risk being penalized by the conference.
    — Seth Emerson, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Federal judges cleared Brown and Jimerson of roles in the killing in 2018.
    — Brett Barrouquere, Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of clear
Verb
  • Hand soap is meant for clearing surface dirt, cleaning expert Andy Wray says.
    — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Whole cobs of corn are cleaned of their silk, tucked back into their husks, and placed on the grill to char.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of clean

Browse Nearby Words

euthanizing
evacuate
evacuated
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Cite this Entry

“Evacuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evacuate. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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