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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

  • preremoval noun

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.

The removal of the flesh-and-blood element in something so human as a ball game will be pitched as a great stride forward, but it’s actually a major loss.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

That record is blemished by his removal from an assignment based on his Francis-like tendencies, which may have had a hand in his failure to rise above the lowest of the U.S.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

Dissociation, similar to disfellowshipping, now known as removal, is a process whereby followers are expelled from the religion, sometimes losing their family and social structures.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

He did not show up for a hearing in 2025 and an immigration judge ordered his removal, according to federal officials.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

But however a removal might fit in with the designs of his wizardry, there was no doubt about the fact: Frodo Baggins was going back to Buckland.

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien