as in to dig
to hollow out or form (something) by removing earth
workmen are excavating a long tunnel that will eventually replace the aboveground expressway
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Recent Examples of excavate
The study team excavated multiple fossils containing F. brocksi, each entombed in goethite, an iron-rich mineral that maintained the fish in extraordinary detail.
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Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts excavated from Viking burial sites and settlements across Rogaland, including weapons, tools, jewelry, and everyday objects, providing valuable insight into the craftsmanship, trade networks, and social structures of Norse society.
—David Nikel, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Templeton promptly contacted the Mississippi State Geological Survey, whose experts carefully excavated the 600-pound (270 kilograms) artifact.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Mar. 2025
The complaint did not say if the area was excavated or what was wrapped in the plastic.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for excavate
Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts excavated from Viking burial sites and settlements across Rogaland, including weapons, tools, jewelry, and everyday objects, providing valuable insight into the craftsmanship, trade networks, and social structures of Norse society.
—David Nikel, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Templeton promptly contacted the Mississippi State Geological Survey, whose experts carefully excavated the 600-pound (270 kilograms) artifact.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Mar. 2025
The complaint did not say if the area was excavated or what was wrapped in the plastic.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for excavate
Cite this Entry
“Excavate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excavate. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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