noun
Common
removal
rih-MOO-vuhl
Removal (noun) means the act of taking something away or getting rid of it. Example: “The removal of the old fence took most of the afternoon.”
noun
1
The act of taking something away or getting rid of it.
"The removal of the old fence took most of the afternoon."
"Stain removal is easiest right after the spill."
"The removal of the broken tree should be finished by the end of the week."
2
The act of dismissing someone from a job or position.
"The scandal led to the removal of the company's CEO."
"Many employees were upset about the manager's sudden removal from his post."
"The board voted for the removal of the chairman after the long dispute."
How to use removal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe act of taking something (or someone) away.
Common pairings
removal of
removal company
removal from office
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Word forms
- Plural
- removals
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The _____ of the old fence took most of the afternoon.
Etymology
From "remove" plus the noun-forming ending "-al."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for removal
See all rhymes for removal →Frequently asked questions
What does “removal” mean?
The word “removal” means the act of taking something away or getting rid of it. In plain terms, the act of taking something (or someone) away.
How do you pronounce “removal”?
“Removal” is pronounced rih-MOO-vuhl (/ɹɪˈmu.vəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “removal” in a sentence?
Here is “removal” used in a sentence: “The removal of the old fence took most of the afternoon.”
What is another word for “removal”?
Words with a similar meaning to “removal” include move, relocation, ablation, deduction, deinstallation and subduction.
What is the opposite of “removal”?
The opposite of “removal” — its antonyms — is addition.
What part of speech is “removal”?
“Removal” is a noun.
Is “removal” a common word?
“Removal” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “removal” have?
“Removal” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of taking something away or getting rid of it.
What is the difference between "removal" and "elimination"?
"Removal" is the act of taking something away or getting rid of it, and it can be temporary or simply relocating the item. "Elimination" stresses complete and often permanent getting rid of something so that none remains. You might remove a stain that returns, but eliminating it means it is gone entirely.
How does the meaning of "removal" differ in British and American English?
In British English, "removals" often refers to the business of moving household belongings to a new home, as in "a removals company." In American English, this sense is usually called "moving," and "removal" more often means taking something away or dismissing someone. The core meaning of taking something away is shared in both.
Which preposition follows "removal"?
"Removal" is usually followed by "of," as in "the removal of the barrier," and by "from" to show the source, as in "removal from office." When it means dismissal, it pairs with "from" plus a position or role. The choice of preposition shows what is taken away and from where.
What is the difference between "removal" and "dismissal"?
In the sense of jobs, "removal" and "dismissal" both mean ending someone's position and overlap closely. "Dismissal" almost always refers to a person being let go from a job or role, while "removal" can also apply to objects being taken away. When people are involved, removal often implies a more formal or forced ousting.
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