SHOVEL Synonyms: 14 Similar and Opposite Words

shovel

verb

Definition of shovel

as in to dig

to hollow out or form (something) by removing earth the troops quickly shoveled a trench

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 shovel Locals and government officials were clearing debris and shoveling thick mud coating much of the town. — Eugene Garcia, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026 Several parody videos of people shoveling dessert into their mouths also circulated on social media. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 25 Sep. 2026 Moments after an incredibly warm greeting, Quinn shoveled coal into the flames and stuck an iron in the forge. — Sarah Wood González, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Sep. 2026 Castro told investigators he was being attacked with a broom and shovel before opening fire, but prosecutors say surveillance footage contradicted his account. — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shovel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shovel

Verb

Use a long, slender trowel to dig a single-occupancy hole, or dig a wide hole to plant a group of bulbs.

— Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026
Fifteen yards into his route, James dug inside, turned to catch the pass from Zabransky, and took a little jab step upfield as four Oklahoma defenders closed in.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of dig

Verb

Next week, heavy equipment will be brought in to excavate the property.

— Frederick Sutton Sinclair, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
The remains of these servants, or retainers, were first excavated from the funerary complexes at Abydos, eastern Egypt, which date from around 3000 BC, in the 1920s.

— Jack Guy, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of excavate

Browse Nearby Words

shoved (off)

shovel

shoveled

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“Shovel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shovel. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of shovel

verb

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