excrete

verb

Definition of excretenext
as in to secrete
formal to pass (waste matter) from the body or from an organ in the body excrete sweat The kidneys excrete toxins.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of excrete The organism reproduces by releasing oocysts, which are excreted in those human feces. — Joan Rose, The Conversation, 10 Aug. 2026 Individual cells excrete stalks that stick to submerged rocks and, despite its slimy appearance, typically feels like wet wool. — Hannah Smith july 25, Idaho Statesman, 25 July 2026 Many ants feed on the sugary honeydew excreted by these insects and will actively protect them from predators. — The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2026 The intense, carrion-like odor of the slime attracts insects, which then eat the slime and excrete it, with the spores later germinating in the excrement. — Leah Hudson, Popular Science, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for excrete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excrete
  1. expel
  2. eliminate
Verb
  • Cornell conducted an internal investigation and suspended or expelled some of the men, but prosecutors did not bring criminal charges against any of the accused.
    — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The case has drawn national attention in recent weeks after it was revealed that only two of the seven men alleged to have been involved were expelled.
    — Richard Hall, Time, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of expel
Verb
  • Rooms The residence’s apartments and suites are all about modern luxury with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, along with a solid stone ceiling which eliminated any sounds coming in from other rooms.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The nation eliminated the domestic spread of measles in 2000 by maintaining high vaccination rates, but those rates have fallen in recent years to below the 95% coverage needed to prevent outbreaks.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of eliminate

Browse Nearby Words

excreta
excrete
excreted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Excrete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excrete. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All