Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of slash-and-burn The state initiatives have a markedly different character from Trump’s slash-and-burn approach, symbolized by Musk’s chain saw-brandishing appearance at a Conservative Political Action Committee appearance in February. Marc Levy, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025 That practice, known as slash-and-burn farming, actually began 12,000 years ago, though it didn’t get started in earnest in North America until 1500 when European settlers arrived. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 3 July 2025 The work draws from images of gold mining in the Amazon, referencing extractive practices like logging and slash-and-burn farming. Nel-Olivia Waga, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 Trump’s slash-and-burn approach to reform — on issues as varied as immigration enforcement to Medicaid to Veterans Affairs and COVID-19 shots, just for starters, will take a strong pushback just to land somewhere near the ever-elusive sensible center. Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025 Supporters see him as an eccentric genius whose slash-and-burn management style is key to his success. Kirsten Grind, New York Times, 30 May 2025 Musk’s unorthodox—and often secretive—slash-and-burn tactics often sowed chaos during his tenure in the government. Nik Popli, Time, 29 May 2025 Of course, given the dependence of many practitioners on public commissions, opposition to slash-and-burn fiscal policy is also very much in their own interest. Ian Volner, Artforum, 28 May 2025 Congress and the courts must do everything possible to stop the federal administration's slash-and-burn tactics. Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slash-and-burn
Adjective
  • As a member of a crew that robs banks, Mr. Blonde is the most ruthless.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025
  • As they’re hunted by a ruthless drug gang led by the menacing Power (Aidan Gillen), their fight for survival becomes a journey of redemption.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Frank Trapper / Contributor/Corbis Entertainment Lydia is a high-ranking and merciless executive at Madrigal Electromotive who helps supply Walt's meth operation.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
  • While Charlie Brown played things safe, Snoopy lived an exuberant life in his imagination, casting himself as a frustrated novelist, gleeful dancer, merciless attorney and even a prolific flying ace in a World War I Sopwith Camel.
    Chris Carra, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Slash-and-burn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slash-and-burn. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!