rid
8 synonyms and 1 antonym for rid, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To free a person, place, or thing of something unwanted, usually followed by "of."
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.
dispose of
do away with
disembarrass
Antonyms
How to use rid
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
rid of pests
good riddance
rid the world of
Etymology
From Middle English ridden, meaning to clear away debris or obstructions, ultimately from Old English roots meaning "to clear."
Full origin of rid →Frequently asked questions
What does “rid” mean?
The word “rid” means to free a person, place, or thing of something unwanted, usually followed by "of.". In plain terms, to get rid of, or free something from, an unwanted problem or thing.
How do you pronounce “rid”?
“Rid” is pronounced rihd (/ɹɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “rid” in a sentence?
Here is “rid” used in a sentence: “The new filter helps rid the water of impurities.”
What part of speech is “rid”?
“Rid” is a verb.
Where does the word “rid” come from?
The word “rid” comes from Old English. From Middle English ridden, meaning to clear away debris or obstructions, ultimately from Old English roots meaning "to clear.".
Is “rid” a common word?
“Rid” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What does 'get rid of' mean?
'Get rid of' means to remove, dispose of, or free yourself from something unwanted — 'I need to get rid of these old boxes.' It's the most common way the verb 'rid' appears in everyday English. The phrase can apply to objects, habits, feelings, or even people you want to avoid.
What is the difference between rid and remove?
The focus differs. 'Remove' concentrates on the unwanted thing being taken away — 'remove the stain.' 'Rid' concentrates on the person or place being freed of it — 'rid the house of pests.' They often describe the same event, but 'rid' is nearly always followed by 'of' and emphasizes the relief of being free.
Is 'rid' the same in past and present tense?
Mostly, yes. 'Rid' stays the same in the present and past tense — 'they rid the town of crime' works for both. The form 'ridded' exists but is rare and often considered awkward. In practice, 'rid' serves as its own past tense, much like 'cut' or 'put.'
What is an example of rid in a sentence?
'The new policy aims to rid the city of litter,' or 'She wanted to rid herself of the debt.' Most often it appears as 'get rid of,' as in 'we finally got rid of the damp.' In each case, something unwanted is being removed.
