de·struc·tive
di-ˈstrək-tiv 
1
: causing destruction : ruinous
destructive storm
2
: designed or tending to hurt or destroy
destructive criticism
destructively
adverb
destructiveness
noun
de·struc·tive·ness
-ktə̇vnə̇s
plural -es
: the quality of being destructive : capacity for destruction
the awesome destructiveness of the atom bomb
Examples of destructive in a Sentence
Adjective
It was one of the most destructive storms in recent memory.
She argued that the law was destructive of personal liberties.
The school is concerned about the destructive behavior of a few students.
Recent Examples on the Web
Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
Young people make destructive mistakes and deserve a path back.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2026
Beyond being expensive to maintain, the dams are destructive to rivers, blocking fish habitat while warming the water, depleting oxygen levels and trapping sediment upstream.
—CBS News, 12 June 2026
Still, the simple story — written by Jordan Tannahill, who adapted his own book, and directed by Janicza Bravo — illustrates various destructive choices and cruel actions ostensibly driven by love.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for destructive
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Adjective
The scenes echoed earlier playoff celebrations, including a massive watch-party gathering of roughly 7,000 people in Bryant Park during Game 2 that turned violent and destructive, according to a law enforcement official.
—Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
Young people make destructive mistakes and deserve a path back.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2026
Beyond being expensive to maintain, the dams are destructive to rivers, blocking fish habitat while warming the water, depleting oxygen levels and trapping sediment upstream.
—CBS News, 12 June 2026
Still, the simple story — written by Jordan Tannahill, who adapted his own book, and directed by Janicza Bravo — illustrates various destructive choices and cruel actions ostensibly driven by love.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for destructive
Cite this Entry
“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destructive. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
destructive
adjective
de·struc·tive
di-ˈstrək-tiv
1
: causing destruction : ruinous
a destructive storm
2
: designed or tending to hurt or destroy
destructive criticism
destructively
adverb
destructiveness
noun
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
