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.
The plan includes the elimination of tunnels, arms stockpiles and weapons production facilities, the diplomat said, adding that by the end of the process there would be no remaining militant infrastructure in Gaza. — Reuters, NBC news, 31 July 2026 The elimination of the TPS program affects more than 300,000 Haitians nationwide, who now face the possibility of deportation to a country beset by widespread gang warfare, unreliable healthcare, cholera outbreaks and deadly drone attacks. — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 31 July 2026 There, the Tennessee track was positioned as an elimination race in the old postseason format. — Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 30 July 2026 Contestants compete one-on-one in elimination battles for the national championship title and a spot at the Red Bull BC One World Final in Toronto. — Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 July 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 7 Aug. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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