remove
16 synonyms and 3 antonyms for remove, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To take something away from its place.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use remove
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French remouvoir, from Latin removere ("to move back"), from re- + movere ("to move").
Full origin of remove →Frequently asked questions
What does “remove” mean?
The word “remove” means to take something away from its place. In plain terms, to take something away, get rid of it, or take someone out of a position.
How do you pronounce “remove”?
“Remove” is pronounced rih-MOOV (/ɹɪˈmuv/ in IPA).
How do you use “remove” in a sentence?
Here is “remove” used in a sentence: “Please remove your shoes before entering.”
What is another word for “remove”?
Words with a similar meaning to “remove” include unstay, abate, bate, deduct, knock off and subduct.
What is the opposite of “remove”?
The opposite of “remove” — its antonyms — are settle, place and add.
What part of speech is “remove”?
Depending on how it is used, “remove” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “remove” come from?
The word “remove” comes from Latin. From Old French remouvoir, from Latin removere ("to move back"), from re- + movere ("to move").
Is “remove” a common word?
“Remove” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between 'remove' and 'delete'?
To remove is to take something away from its place — it may still exist somewhere else afterward. To delete usually means to erase permanently, especially data, text, or files. You can remove a file from one folder without deleting it, but deleting it destroys it completely.
What is the difference between 'remove' and 'eliminate'?
To remove is simply to take something away from where it is. To eliminate is to get rid of it completely, so it no longer exists at all. Eliminating is more total and final — you might remove a name from a list, but eliminate a problem entirely.
What is the opposite of 'remove'?
The opposite is to add, insert, place, or install — any action that puts something into position rather than taking it away. Where removing takes an item out of its spot, these words put an item in. You remove a battery to replace it, then insert a new one.