Synonyms for

Excavation

Verb / ˌekskʌˈveɪʃʌn / Another word for excavation — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Excavation is the process of digging or removing earth, rock, or other materials from the ground using tools, machinery, or explosives.

Synonyms & similar words

digging archeologicalsite mining dig Digging Mining Dredging Quarrying Extraction Uncovering Removal Clearance Disinterment Excavating Shoveling Trenching Boring Scooping Sifting Drilling Burrowing Channeling Undermining Hollowing

Synonyms by register

Formal

digging unearthing extraction exploration

Informal

dig scooping hollowing

Literary

delving probing

Antonyms

filling concealment covering sealing burial obstruction

Common collocations

  • archaeological excavation
  • site excavation
  • excavation work
  • deep excavation
  • excavation pit
  • excavation process
  • excavation permit

Word family

noun excavation
verb excavate
adjective excavated

Usage note

Excavation refers to the act of digging or uncovering something, often in an archaeological or construction context. It can also refer to the hole or cavity created by this process.

Example sentences

  1. The workers used shovels to begin the excavation of the construction site.
  2. The archaeologists made an important discovery during their excavation of the ancient city.
  3. The excavation of the mine required heavy machinery.
  4. The excavation of the tunnel took several weeks to complete.
  5. The excavation of the fossilized bones was a delicate process.

Quotes

  • 'Excavation' is like opening up a book. You uncover this world that was there, and you start to interpret it. - Sarah Parcak
  • Archaeology is the search for fact... not truth. If it's truth you're looking for, Dr. Tyree's philosophy class is right down the hall. - Indiana Jones
  • The excavation of history is a matter of record; the excavation of memory is a matter of imagination. - Pico Iyer

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