vandalism
noun
van·dal·ism
ˈvan-də-ˌli-zəm 
: willful or malicious destruction or defacement of public or private property
Examples of vandalism in a Sentence
acts of theft and vandalism
He was arrested for vandalism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Detectives believe the vandalism at Old Memphis Cemetery in Palmetto, south of Tampa, occurred within the past few weeks.
—
Alyssa Dzikowski, CBS News, 15 May 2026
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating vandalism at Old Memphis Cemetery in Palmetto, where deputies say 17 grave sites were damaged with broken and knocked-down headstones, graffiti and damaged concrete.
—Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
He was also booked on fresh charges of felony vandalism, battery against a former dating partner and willful disobedience of a court order.
—Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2026
The leaders of Bishop Ward High School postponed graduation ceremonies that were scheduled for this week after vandalism on the school’s campus, according to a statement posted Saturday on the school’s website.
—Kansas City Star, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for vandalism
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Alyssa Dzikowski, CBS News, 15 May 2026
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating vandalism at Old Memphis Cemetery in Palmetto, where deputies say 17 grave sites were damaged with broken and knocked-down headstones, graffiti and damaged concrete.
—Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
He was also booked on fresh charges of felony vandalism, battery against a former dating partner and willful disobedience of a court order.
—Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2026
The leaders of Bishop Ward High School postponed graduation ceremonies that were scheduled for this week after vandalism on the school’s campus, according to a statement posted Saturday on the school’s website.
—Kansas City Star, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for vandalism
Cite this Entry
“Vandalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vandalism. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
vandalism
noun
van·dal·ism
ˈvan-dᵊl-ˌiz-əm
: intentional destruction or damage to property
Legal Definition
vandalism
noun
van·dal·ism
ˈvand-ᵊl-ˌi-zəm
: the willful or malicious destruction or defacement of property
insurance covering property damage from vandalism and malicious mischief
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