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Shovel: alternatives and connections

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26,102 words currently have published synonym-style alternatives
90,593 searchable synonym connections
350,924 published thesaurus relationships of every type
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Shovel

An implement consisting of a broad scoop, or more or less hollow blade, with a handle, used for lifting and throwing earth, coal, grain, or other loose substances.

52 useful connections shown 11 reviewed relationships and 41 broader connections.
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Reviewed alternatives and contrasts

These links were deliberately created. Use the interchangeability score and guidance to judge whether a word will work in your sentence.

Broader term 3

Delve 76% connected

To dig; to open (the ground) as with a spade.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Dig 76% connected

To turn up, or delve in, (earth) with a spade or a hoe; to open, loosen, or break up (the soil) with a spade, or other sharp instrument; to pierce, o…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Machine 76% connected

In general, any combination of bodies so connected that their relative motions are constrained, and by means of which force and motion may be transmi…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Narrower term 2

Dredge 76% connected

Any instrument used to gather or take by dragging; as: (a) A dragnet for taking up oysters, etc., from their beds. (b) A dredging machine. (c) An iro…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Scoop 76% connected

A large ladle; a vessel with a long handle, used for dipping liquids; a utensil for bailing boats.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Derivationally related 2

Shoveler 74% connected

One who, or that which, shovels.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Shoveler 74% connected

One who, or that which, shovels.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Synonym 4

Digger 92% connected

One who, or that which, digs.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Excavator 92% connected

One who, or that which, excavates or hollows out; a machine, as a dredging machine, or a tool, for excavating.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Shovelful 92% connected

As much as a shovel will hold; enough to fill a shovel.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Spadeful 92% connected

As much as a spade will hold or lift.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

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