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Synonyms

removal

American  
[ri-moo-vuhl] / rɪˈmu vəl /

noun

  1. the act of removing.

  2. change of residence, position, etc.

  3. dismissal, as from an office.


removal British  
/ rɪˈmuːvəl /

noun

  1. the act of removing or state of being removed

    1. a change of residence

    2. ( as modifier )

      a removal company

  2. dismissal from office

  3. the forced displacement of a community for political or social reasons

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of removal

First recorded in 1590–1600; remove + -al 2

Explanation

The word removal is the noun version of the verb to remove. When you "re-move" a sofa, you move it again by getting rid of it. You've seen to its removal. Carpet removal is the specialty of companies that come and take your old rugs away. When someone is asked to step down from a job or position, it's referred to as their removal. And why not? Why is a city council member's removal from office any different from a drunken idiot's removal from a nightclub? Congratulations! You've overseen the removal of the hated chairman of the board. Now we can install a new, truly lovable one in his place.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing removal

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He also heads the project "Direct and In-Line Filtration for the Removal of Microplastics from Drinking Water," which is funded by FAPESP.

From Science Daily • Apr. 20, 2026

The IRS provided 1,771, which out of a total special agent population of about 2,100, means about 84 percent of its agent workforce was detailed to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations.

From Slate • Feb. 9, 2026

The Ramirez Rattlesnake Removal owner was featured along with his 2012 Ram Hemi pickup.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 28, 2025

The “Remove the Regime” event was organized by member organizations of the Removal Coalition, a grassroots effort just like the Ohio bus trip.

From Salon • Nov. 29, 2025

My father didn’t accept the Voluntary Removal at that hearing.

From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon