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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.

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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.

On Friday, the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service panel decided Hopper's fitness to practise had been impaired in relation to his convictions and sanctioned him to removal from the medical register.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

Many people have used the services of Teller’s company, bought its honey, asked for bee removal.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

But EMR has opened the door to a future where fixing blurry vision may no longer require lasers, cutting, or permanent tissue removal.

From Science Daily • May 28, 2026

Before the removal, Adam had voluntarily offered to contribute toward Brian’s expenses as a neighborly gesture, despite believing he had no legal liability.

From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026

After Scott had set up his congregation, he found that Komo was embezzling money from people who were contributing to the fight against the removal.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

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